I finished this one this morning. This book pulled me in almost immediately! It was a very quick and twisty read, I did not see most of the twists coming. I loved the short chapters as well. I really enjoyed listening to this book.📕 Both of the narrators did a fantastic job. Check your trigger warnings before heading into this one, it has talk of suicide and mental illness. Aside from the way some of the mental illness was portrayed this was a very enjoyable and entertaining read for me. I gave this 4.5⭐️‘s.

Their dream home is located on the cliff where people come to make the hardest decisions of their lives. Gabe, the hero of the community, is able to talk the visitors out of their hard decisions, but the last visit has ended in a tragic way. The worst part - the victim was actually a mutual acquaint of Gabe and Pippa. Questions begin to rise in Pippa's mind: why out of all visitor's Gabe failed to save the one he knew?

The Soulmate is an incredibly creepy, clever psychological thriller. I was in this story's grip from the very start. A dual timeline gives the reader an outline of the characters' lives prior to an incident and an explanation of their connection to one another. The main twist of the story is a drastic change in one of the characters that I failed to foresee. The pace was fast throughout, but wow, those last chapters sent literal chills down my spine.

Sally Hepworth's style of writing is very strong and addictive. This was definitely one of the "can't-put-down" novels that I've read this year. While the story was not insanely original, it was extremely compelling.

Thank you, NetGalley for a free and advanced copy of the novel.

I should start by saying I'm a pretty picky thriller reader. It seems to take a lot for a thriller to impress me or for it to be memorable to me. I can't tell you the amount of thrillers I've read where I can't even remember what happened the next week. I found The Soulmate to be a fairly enjoyable listening experience (the narrator is great!), but even now, just a couple weeks after I finished, I barely remember the ending. But I do know that I didn't love the ending and that it didn't feel very believable to me.

The book is about Gabe and Pippa, a married couple living in their dream home with their two daughters. The house is right next to a cliff, which sounds like an absolutely gorgeous location. But it also happens to be a popular place to commit suicide. Gabe has seen many people standing on the edge and has gone out to talk them out of jumping. Until one day when he goes out to talk to a woman and can't save her. Pippa is watching out the window and something about it just looks weird to her.

We hear from a couple different perspectives, including the dead woman who is narrating part of the book after her death (I did love that). Parts of the book just felt convoluted to me and a lot of tropes were introduced. I didn't love the way mental illness was handled and even the talk about ADHD felt very off to me.

Overall, I think readers who enjoy quick domestic thrillers will connect with this. But if you're looking for a memorable thriller that will really wow you, this probably won't be it.

To me, Sally Hepworth's books are more domestic dramas with a side of mystery rather than a crazy twisty thriller. And this one is no exception: a character-driven mystery involving two couples who appear to have it all. But underneath the secrets, lies and a suspicious death unravels everything.

Here, Hepworth explores marriage: how the bounds of love, honesty, and trust are tested in a marriage. She questions what a “soulmate” means and does that definition differ between couples.

Short chapters with dual POVs and past/present timelines create a highly binge-able domestic thriller. I thought the POV of the deceased character cleverly paints the full picture. If you’re a Sally Hepworth fan, you will not be disappointed.

Thank you to netgalley for a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This concept was very intriguing to me but I could not finish it unfortunately. Nothing at all was wrong with the book I just realized I can't handle reading thrillers at the moment. The story was very interesting and I wanted to see where it went, my friends would love to read this book!

Sally Hepworth is one of my favorite domestic suspense authors so I was super excited to read The Soulmate. She does such a great job of keeping her readers guessing while writing family drama in an original and intriguing way.

The story is told from Pippa and Amanda’s perspectives both in the past and present. Amanda’s “after” parts were a clever way to tell us parts of the story we wouldn’t have gotten otherwise, and I thought Hepworth’s decision to include these chapters was so clever.

It’s hard to say too much about this book without giving anything away so I’m just going to say that even though it was a bit of a slow burn, I really enjoyed this story and how it all came together in the end. Plus there were some great twists I didn’t see coming.

I listened along to the audiobook while reading my eARC. I’m glad I did this because I think if I had just listened to the audiobook, I might have been confused. I did enjoy the narration though and felt that the audiobook helped move the story along.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for advanced copies in exchange for my honest review.

I have read two other Sally Hepworth books and (full disclosure) I only rated them 2 stars. But, the plot and the cover of The Soulmate drew me in and I figured that because it was an audiobook, I had nothing to lose. It was a gamble that paid off.
I really enjoyed this audiobook. I liked the dual narration. I was pleased with the dual POV and timelines. This book was much more thrilling than the others I had read. Each chapter ends with a cliffhanger. There are twists I didn’t expect. There are some red herrings. Everything you could want in a suspenseful thriller.
The setting of this story is fabulous. I immediately pictured this home on the cliff and I loved that I was able to see myself there in the story.
I will be posting this review on Instagram, Goodreads and Amazon.

This book seemed like a mess to me. I haven't enjoyed Hepworth as much as I used to. It just feels like the stories are a jumble of twists and characters. This book starts off GREAT- I'm intrigued by a couple that lives near a cliff and has to constantly call the police because it's a place people love to use to end their lives. Husband Gabe is the whisperer, though- he will often go out and talk to the person on the cliff until the police arrive. Until.. he's unable to talk one person off the cliff. And the secrets surrounding this person involve both Gabe and Pippa and both fear they'll be prosecuted for this person's death. The book pops back and forth from past to present to tell the story and I normally like this story vehicle. It just didn't work here.
Pippa seemed preening and clingy and Gabe was 'just so perfect' but also terribly imperfect and Hepworth worked in turns that made me squint in confusion at the end of each chapter.
I listened to an audio arc and the narrators Barrie Kreinik; Jessica Douglas-Henry did a great job- loved both voices.

The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth


This was a great audiobook to listen to. There were different points of view, different time lines, and it kept my interest all the way through.

It points out that all marriages are good and bad, and you never really know what really happens in other people’s marriage.

I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys mysteries where the story evolves slowly and keeps you reading or listening until it is done.

This was narrated by Barrie Kreinik; Jessica Douglas-Henry.

Sally Hepworth never fails to deliver. I highly recommend this audiobook.

Thank you to @netgalley and @macmillanaudio for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

A few too many twists, a fairly absurd ending, and honestly, not a single likeable character. Even the little kids were intolerable.

The Soulmate is a different kind of thriller, but I really enjoyed it. More psychological than dramatic, it sure made me think about people and their motives. Gabe and Pippa live in a cottage by a cliff that is known as a popular suicide spot, and Gabe regularly talks people down from the cliff. The book describes this as a quiet, peaceful place to live and hints that their lives weren't always like this, but really, it doesn't sound peaceful at all to me! It is a great setting for a story though, rich in both beauty and dark gothic elements. Sally Hepworth's stories are always interesting and this one is her most thought provoking yet, with characters full of contrast and difficult life choices.
Barrie Kreinik and Jessica Douglas-Henry did a fantastic job of narrating the audiobook, they really embodied Pippa and Amanda's personalities in telling both their stories. It's a credit to both the narrators and the author that I listened to the entire book in less than a day.

I’m usually it a fan of domestic thrillers but enjoyed this one. It kept me entertained and guessing to the end.

**4.5-stars rounded up**

The Soulmate is the latest release from the Queen of the Whiplash Reveal, Sally Hepworth. As I quickly rediscovered with this story, Hepworth likes to keep you shook.

In this story we mainly follow Gabe and Pippa, a married couple with a beautiful cliffside home. Unfortunately, that cliffside sometimes attracts people with unsavory intentions. Gabe has talked people off that ledge more than once. In fact it has happened so often they've even received coaching from the local police on the proper steps to take when they encounter a possible jumper. Because of this, when they spot a woman on the ledge one day, it seems almost natural for Gabe to go out and approach her. To try to help.

Pippa is initially watching her husband talking to the woman. She hopes he'll be able to talk her back from the edge. Pippa turns her head, just for a moment and when she looks back, the woman is gone, Gabe's arms left reaching into empty space.

As the inquiry into the woman's death begins, it is revealed that Gabe actually knew her, unbeknownst to Pippa. What was said on the cliff that day? Did Gabe have a motive to push her? If so, what could it possibly be. Pippa is hurt, scared and confused. The couple has no secrets, do they?

I listened to this audiobook in one day. Once I started, I was quickly pulled into this web of ever growing secrets and reveals. It was impeccably told. Hepworth drew me in from the start with a fascinating premise and an interesting couple. Pippa and Gabe were so glossy on the surface, but I just knew there was more to them both than was initially revealed. Boy, was I right!!

I love how Hepworth frames her stories. The pace and reveals are so much fun, you cannot help but be sucked into the lives of her characters.

This is the third novel I have read from this author and I have felt that way about every one of them. The plots are just so compelling, it's almost impossible to stop. Every chapter leaves you wanting more; more answers, more drama, more revelations. It's a whole experience.

I would absolutely recommend Hepworth's work to anyone who enjoys twisted Domestic Dramas with enough scandals, lies and secrets to keep your head spinning.

Thank you so much to the publisher, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review. I had a ton of fun reading this and look forward to whatever wicked web Hepworth is going to spin for us next!!!

This was a great book. I loved the suspense and the buildup until the end with another twist in the second to last chapter that I didn't see coming. I highly recommend this books to everyone that likes domestic thrillers.

The "Queen of domestic suspense," and master storyteller Sally Hepworth (a favorite author), returns following, The Younger Wife with her latest highly anticipated addictive domestic thriller, THE SOULMATE.

A deep dive into family dysfunction: the good and bad sides of marriage. Guilt, love, loyalty. How far will they go for their family's sake? What wouldn't you do for your soulmate?

No one does twisty and dysfunctional better than Sally! I adore her, a big fan, having read all her books and all 5 STARS. She and her family light up social media and leaves a smile on your face.

As Sally quotes: "I like to think of it as a murderous love story. Unconventional, of course, but that's what I do."

AGREE!

Hepworth creates an atmospheric setting with her eighth novel, drawing you in from page one. Gabe and Pipa Gerard have been happily married for seven years with two daughters. They have purchased their dream home that overlooks a cliffside ocean with breathtaking views in a small coastal town outside Melbourne, Australia.

The cliff has been a popular spot known as "The Drop" for people to end their lives. Seven people have walked away. Gabe has become a whisperer who talks people down. Gabe makes people feel safe. The media calls him an angel.

Now, the eighth person was not so lucky.

When Amanda Cameron, the wife of Gabe’s former boss, Max—shows up near the cliff, Gabe goes out to work his magic as usual. However, this time the woman goes over the edge to her death. Was it a suicide?

When Gabe fails to save the eighth, a sordid web of secrets begins to unravel, pushing bonds of loyalty and love to the brink...

When Pippa discovers Gabe knew the victim, the questions spiral...

Did the victim jump? OR was she pushed? What secrets and admissions will be made after the woman's recent death?

Pippa is a lawyer, and she finds herself lying to the police. Does she doubt her husband? Gabe has had mental health issues in the past. Pipa is also hiding secrets. Gabe also has secrets.

We hear from two POVs: Pippa (then and now) and Amanda, the woman from the cliff— (before and after).

Nothing or no one is as they appear.

With tension mounting between Max and Gabe, there is also the missing mysterious flash drive. Are their lives in danger? The author combines suspense, betrayal, love, danger, and infidelity to keep readers turning to the final explosive conclusion as secrets unravel.

SALLY DAZZLES! Twisty and highly creative. Her best yet! The best thriller for mental health, marriage, and domestic suspense. Top Books of 2023.

A warning needs to come with THE SOULMATE. Wait to start reading until you have time to read the entire book. Unputdownable! I finished at 3:26 am and started before I went to bed.

I was fortunate to receive the e-book and the audiobook. I read the e-book about eight months ago and then listened to the audiobook more recently, which was fantastic.

AUDIOBOOK: 🎧 Narrators Barrie Kreinik and Jessica Douglas-Henry gave a captivating performance! I could almost hear the waves crashing at the bottom of the cliff.

As always, Hepworth pulls out some major shockers and is a master at twists, marriages, secrets, and deception in marriage. She covers some highly charged topics of mental illness, health, family pressures, parenting, child-rearing, career stresses, adultery, and more with compassion and sensitivity. Highly recommend!

Thank you to #StMartinsPress #MacmillianAudio and #NetGalley for a gifted ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review. Also purchased the hardcover copy. #SPMInfluencers

Blog Review posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 💙Stars +
Pub Date: April 4, 2023
April 2023 Must-Read Books

Great author and perfect narrators. The synopsis was interesting and the book was even better. I loved the dual storylines and it was an intriguing psychological thriller. This will definitely be a popular summer read!

This one was fun! Told through the perspectives of two women, from the time before and after a major accident, this story unraveled in a thrilling way and kept the listener on their toes. When you feel like you’ve finally caught up, that you’ve figured everything out, this book gives you one more reveal. For lovers of thrillers, this one is a quick read or listen!

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the advanced listen!

What a fun read. This was a fast-paced psychological thriller that kept me turning pages. I loved the short chapters, dual first person, and dual timeline. I thought it brought a lot to the storyline. Give me family drama, secrets, and suspense any day! The mind games that each of the characters played while they were all hiding their own secrets made it that much more suspenseful. There were some heavy topics that were discussed throughout such as suicide and mental health. The twists at the end I did not see coming, good job! I thought this was one of Sally Hepworth’s better books.

Sally Hepworth's books are very hit or miss for me, but this one did sound really intriguing! The book was entertaining, but at the same time, I didn't feel terribly connected to the story and fear it will be somewhat forgettable. Ultimately, just not for me.

The Soulmate is yet another utterly engaging winner from Sally Hepworth. I’m admittedly a huge fan of this author’s work, for good reason. Her novels are diverse, each unique from the next, well-written, plotted, crafted and absolutely enthralling.

The Soulmate is an addictive, domestic thriller about Gabe and Pippa, a happy couple, with two adorable girls, who live in a picturesque home on the cliffs of a coastal Melbourne town, over-looking the sea. The only problem is, it’s also a frequent place that people come to end it all and jump to their death. Gabe has become something of a whisperer, enticing people back from the cliff with his calm demeanor and soothing words. And then, one fateful day, it doesn’t work, and things begin to fall apart in this couple’s life.

The Soulmate contains secrets and backstories rich with personal history. Sally Hepworth is the queen of penning a plot that is a full-fledged fictional experience, as well as a mystery and thriller, with in-depth character development. I appreciate the way she featured mental illness in this novel in an impactful way because it is so pertinent and present in people’s lives these days. This is a thought-provoking novel and the audiobook version is one you won’t want to miss! Narrated by Barrie Kreinik and Joseph Douglas-Henry, this duo truly brings the story to life in all it’s tension-packed glory! They are incredible voice actors!

Thank you to NetGaelly, MacMillan Audio and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honesty review.