*What the Wife Knew* by Darby Kane starts strong with a twisty, page-turning plot that kept me hooked. The quick pacing was a plus, but the story eventually spiraled into too many directions. Unfortunately, the characters and their motivations fell flat for me, leading to a disappointing finish. Overall, it’s a 2-star read.

What the Wife Knew tells the story of Addison Dougherty, widow of a renowned pediatric surgeon. Unfortunately, due to a few suspicious accidents prior to his death, everyone believes Addison is the killer.

Addison knows Richard’s secrets, and even though he is dead they continue to haunt her. When she becomes the next target, she knows she has to find out who is the real killer. Before it’s too late.

I have enjoyed Darcy Kane books in the past, and get this one read easily and was interesting as well. She is definitely good at writing the unhinged character! I rate this book 4 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and provide an honest review of What the Wife Knew. I will share this review on Goodreads.

I was all in when the book first started - fast past and engaging, making the reader want to figure things out. Then towards the middle it just got really slow and I was ready to be done

The twist at the end was a twist for sure, but also twisted and not necessarily in a good way. Wasn't for me

I’m not really sure where to begin with this review. There are so many twist and turns with this book that it had my head spinning.

When Addison’s new husband ends up dead the whole town thinks she is to blame especially Richmond’s ex-wife Kathryn. Someone is trying to frame her and she needs to figure out who before it is too late. There are plenty of people with motive, but all eyes are on her.

What are you wiling to do for money? This book is full of examples of how far some people would go for money. There are manipulative parents, abusive relationships, revenge plots and much more. You will find yourself trying to figure out who did it half way through the book, but the information you find out at the end I was a twist I did not see coming.

This was my first book from this author would definitely read another. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fine mystery novel but it didn’t blow me away.

Thank you to the publisher for a Netgalley of this one.

Darby Kane gave us an absolute page turner. Addison and her husband, Richmond, clearly do not like each other. And we find out why in pieces.

What I really enjoyed is how there were a few times I was wrong, but also a few times I was right. I felt compelled to put the pieces together and get to find out what the wife knew!

Addison finds her new husband, renowned pediatric surgeon, Richmond Dougherty, dead. Someone got to him before she did.

I was excited about the plot for this one but it fell flat for me. I had a struggle trying to get through it. There were too many characters introduced, too many twists, and too many moments when I thought “huh what is going on now.” I will try more of this author’s works but this one just was not for me.

“We both know that some secrets are both too dangerous to share and too big to hide… without help.”

What the Wife Knew comes out 12/10.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of What the Wife Knew.

I love revenge stories and the premise sounded like it was right up my alley.

When esteemed pediatric surgeon Richmond Dougherty is found dead, his very young, attractive second wife is the #1 suspect.

Except Addison didn't do it and now it looks like whoever did kill her despicable husband has their sights set on Addison.

The first quarter of the narrative moved smoothly despite all the typical tropes found in these genres:

Addison is a pretty young woman with a traumatic upbringing who has learned to survive by using her wits and street smarts.

Richmond Dougherty is a disgusting, arrogant, egotistical a**hole and his first wife isn't quite likable either.

I read mostly mysteries/thrillers so I wasn't surprised by all the 'twists' and revelations since I guessed most of them.

I've noticed most thrillers tend to do this to readers; throw every silly and ridiculous twist plus the kitchen sink at you.

But it lands poorly, at least for me, because as each twist unfolds, I find it more and more difficult to suspend disbelief.

There's very little suspense or urgency; we get nothing but scenes of mouthy dialogue like an episode of The Real Housewives of New York.

Even the flashbacks become mundane, Addison and Richmond trying to outdo the other and see who gets the last word.

There are plenty of red herrings and subplots like the malpractice suit that are meant to distract the reader (or pad the word count, you decide.)

Also, I couldn't understand why Addison would allow people to keep walking in and out of her home?

At the end, it was comical when people kept walking in and out, info dumping and interrupting the 'showdown' between Addison and Kathryn.

I wanted to like this more but when it turned into a Lifetime drama reality show, I abandoned all hope.

This book fell very flat for me because all of the characters were unlikeable. It was not a fun read.

Loved this book! I’ve read the author’s other books but I think this one may be my favorite. Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC!

NetGalley Review — my rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

"What the Wife Knew" by Darby Kane is a WILDDDDD ride. WOW.

Addison sets up Richmond under the guise that she's got dirt on his darkest secret. What does she want? Marriage and the money that comes with it. Now what exactly does the wife know?

Holy yah. That was a good one. Lots of twists and turns that kept going until the very end. I really enjoyed it and Kane will always be a must read for me.

Parts of it took some getting into which is why I couldn't give it a 5 but, yah, def a 4.55555 because man, it was good.

Big thanks to @williammorrowbooks for the ARC! This one comes out December 2024 so stay tuned!

#netgalley #whatthewifeknew #darbykane #arc

This was my second book by Darby Kane and I had high hopes when I started this one... and Kane soared right over those hopes! This book was so good! It left me wanting more after each chapter, i definitely read passed my bedtime on this one.

This one started off very strong and before I knew it, I was halfway through the book. My biggest issue with this book is how it went completely off the rails in the last 25%, especially since it didn't need to. The twists caused the story to go in a really bizarre direction and I felt like I had whiplash from page to page. Similarly, I think too much additional plot lines and red herrings were introduced that were never followed through which was especially disappointing giving the very serious themes.

A minor sidenote - but I couldn't understand why Addison kept allowing those people in her house. The final "reveal" scene was written very strangely... I kept expecting more because of how non-bothered every character was acting but nothing ever came from that.

This one was a miss for me. The story did not capture my attention, and it ended up being too far fetched. And I was not able to connect or care about the characters. I wish I had liked it more!

Thank you very much to NetGalley and William Morrow for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Yet another propulsive twist fest from Kane. Another read in one sitting.

Addison just married Richmond. It wasn’t for love. It was more for revenge. Now Richmond is dead and everyone is coming for Addison…except she really didn’t kill him. But now someone is trying to make her the prime suspect and they will make sure she dies before anyone can realize she’s innocent.

I have a new Kane favorite! This was a dangerously exciting thriller full of twisted dysfunction, WTF! secrets and evil lies that will keep you guessing and craving more as you fly through the pages. I can't think of one negative comment. This book was pure perfection and completely irresistible to put down. It was well-written, incredibly enjoyable, and I loved all of the characters...even the ones that you're supposed to hate. Tension and the need to know more enveloped me like a wet blanket while I chewed off all of fingernails waiting for the reveal. I loved every minute of it, and I think most readers will, too. I highly recommend it to everyone!

Thank you to William Morrow for granting me early digital access in exchange for my honest review!

#WhatTheWifeKnew #NetGalley
A must read. 5/5
Dr. Richmond Dougherty is not just a respected pediatric surgeon but also a survivor of a tragic event that made him a national hero. However, his illustrious life comes to an abrupt and suspicious end when he falls down the stairs, leaving behind a trail of questions and a widow who quickly becomes the town’s prime suspect.Addison, the new Mrs. Dougherty, married Richmond just ninety-seven days before his death. Their short-lived marriage was marked by two suspicious accidents, leading the local community to view her with deep suspicion. Now, as a wealthy widow, she faces the wrath of Richmond’s first wife, Kathryn, his high school sweetheart and the mother of his children. Kathryn, leading the charge against Addison, intensifies the scrutiny and hostility, making Addison’s life increasingly difficult.As law enforcement closes in, and the town’s animosity grows, Addison remains undeterred. She is on a mission to unravel Richmond’s legacy, one that she had been plotting for years. However, her plans take a dark turn when she discovers a menacing message scrawled on her bedroom wall: “You will pay.” Despite the ominous threat, Addison is not one to back down. Richmond’s unexpected death may have thrown a wrench in her plans, but she is far from done with him or the secrets he left behind.
Likes and Dislikes:
Likes: The novel’s suspenseful plot and well-developed characters are its strongest assets. Kane’s ability to keep the reader guessing with well-placed twists makes for an engaging and thrilling read. The exploration of complex themes such as revenge, justice, and the impact of secrets adds depth to the narrative.
Dislikes: Some readers may find the shifting perspectives and timelines a bit challenging to follow at times. Additionally, while the novel’s ending is satisfying, it may feel abrupt to those who prefer a more drawn-out resolution.
Overall : What the Wife Knew is a gripping and intricately plotted thriller that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Darby Kane masterfully weaves a tale of deception and revenge, with enough twists and turns to keep the suspense alive throughout the novel. The narrative delves into the complexities of human relationships, the corrosive nature of secrets, and the lengths one will go to achieve justice—or vengeance.
A must read.
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for giving me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. Highly recommended.

I love it! It has so many twists and turns. Fantastic short chapters that are easy to keep up with. If you’re new to mystery/ thrillers I’d definitely recommend.

This book is so full of twists, it’s hard to keep up. It’s an assemblage of revenge, blackmail, family drama, murder and mayhem.

Darby Kane is an auto-read author for me. I have always loved her books. I did enjoy this one too, however, I didn’t love it. I enjoyed the short chapters, the premise of the book and the ending, but it was a bit predictable. I do recommend this to thriller lovers and give it 4/5 stars. Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC.

This book was full of twist and turns and an absolute joy to read. I could not put it down and finished it in a day. The characters felt real and sadly, there are dysfunctional families like this out there. I give this book 5 stars!