I just loved this book, and did not see the ending coming. Book was very well written and I will definitely read more by Ms Keogh in future. Highly recommended.
TB

*The Wives* by Valerie Keogh is a twisty, edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller that dives deep into the dangerous world of lies, secrets, and deadly decisions. In this thrilling narrative, the stakes are high, the secrets are darker, and the characters are far from what they seem. Keogh once again proves herself as the queen of domestic noir, delivering a gripping story that will keep readers hooked until the very last page.

The story centers around Natasha, a woman who seems to have it all—married to the handsome, wealthy, and charming Daniel, she believes her life is finally perfect. When Daniel invites Natasha and her friends—Barbara, Tracy Ann, and Michelle—on an extravagant all-expenses-paid cruise, it seems like the ultimate way to flaunt her success. But as the ship sets sail, Natasha soon discovers that her perfect husband has secrets that could unravel everything. Worse yet, each of the wives has their own reasons for wanting Daniel dead.

The tension in *The Wives* builds slowly at first, lulling the reader into a false sense of security, before quickly escalating into a high-stakes game of manipulation, betrayal, and murder. Keogh skillfully weaves multiple layers of intrigue, revealing the complicated dynamics between the characters as the dark secrets and hidden motives surface. Every character has a hidden agenda, and as the narrative progresses, the reader is led down a labyrinth of deception where no one is safe from the consequences of their actions.

Keogh’s writing is fast-paced and full of suspense, with each chapter ending on a note that compels you to keep reading. The psychological tension between the characters is palpable, and the unreliable nature of the narrators makes for a thrilling ride as the truth slowly comes to light. The twists are masterfully executed, with the final revelation being one that no one could have seen coming.

What sets *The Wives* apart is its exploration of the complexities of relationships, jealousy, and the darker side of human nature. The perfect facade of wealth and happiness quickly shatters, exposing the bitterness, insecurities, and desires lurking beneath the surface. Keogh’s sharp social commentary on the lengths people will go to protect their secrets and maintain their status is woven seamlessly into the narrative, making the story not just a thrilling ride but a reflection on the fragility of trust and the consequences of betrayal.

For fans of psychological thrillers and domestic noir, *The Wives* is a must-read. Valerie Keogh’s expert storytelling and ability to deliver unexpected twists will leave you breathless and questioning everything you thought you knew about the characters. If you're looking for a book full of suspense, dark secrets, and shocking revelations, *The Wives* will not disappoint. Keogh has once again crafted a gripping, unforgettable thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

The Wives by Valerie Keogh is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of friendship, marriage, and hidden secrets. The story centers on Natasha, who believes she's found her perfect match in Daniel—rich, handsome, and charming. To showcase her newfound happiness, Daniel arranges an all-expenses-paid cruise for Natasha, her three closest friends—Barbara, Tracy Ann, and Michelle—and their husbands. However, as the voyage progresses, Natasha discovers that Daniel harbors dark secrets, and each of the wives has their own reasons for wanting him dead.

Keogh masterfully builds tension by narrating the story from multiple perspectives, allowing readers to delve into each character's psyche and uncover their hidden motives. The confined setting of the cruise ship amplifies the suspense, as long-buried secrets surface and relationships are tested. While some readers have noted a desire for more likable characters, the intricate plot and unexpected twists keep the pages turning. Fans of domestic thrillers will find The Wives an engaging and thought-provoking read.

First of all, thank you for letting me read this.

This book was a quick and entertaining read, sadly the characters who were supposed to be best friends acted more like bullies towards each other and this made the whole “best friends on a cruise” vibe a little less fun. Why would they even go if they cannot be anything but mean to each other.
There was lots of backstabbing and secrets, but no real suspense.
I had to finish and figure out who dunnit, however, this was not the exciting thriller I had hoped it would be.

Natasha has met the man of her dreams, rich and successful, absolutely perfect, or so she thinks. Generous Daniel invites her friends and their s/o on an all expenses paid cruise! Unbeknownst to Natasha, not all of her friends are enthralled with Daniel nor impressed with his "generosity" but they willingly accept their invitation. Shortly into the cruise, we find out who Daniel really is....through multiple POVs.

Full of SHOCKING surprises! I seriously could not put this book down! I was FLOORED!

Loved this!
This is a gripping thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish
The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, the writing is both engaging and suspenseful, with well-developed characters that add depth to the narrative.
The pacing of the novel is perfect, with just the right amount of tension to keep readers hooked without feeling overwhelmed.
Really enjoyable

Wow! Amazing read. So much suspense and this book had me needing to know what happens next at the turn of every chapter.
Highly recommended. A big five stars from me.

Phenomenal and fast paced psychological thriller. This one sucks you right in and you don’t want to put it down till you find out what happens next.
The audiobook version was also great.
Definitely a book to check out if you like any kind of psychological thriller.

This is a tightly-woven, gripping, psychological thriller that will take you into a world of luxury, deception, and simmering resentment. From the moment Natasha meets Daniel, it seems like a dream come true—he’s rich, handsome, and the kind of man who turns heads wherever he goes. But beneath his polished exterior lies a darkness that Natasha and her circle of friends are about to uncover in the most chilling way possible.

The story kicks off with an all-expenses-paid cruise for Natasha, her friends Barbara, Tracy Ann, Michelle, and their husbands—a lavish display of her seemingly perfect life. But as their journey begins, the facades each character has carefully crafted begin to slowly melt away. Daniel’s charm begins to unravel, revealing sinister secrets that threaten not just his marriage, but the fragile bonds within the entire group. Each wife harbors her own motive for wanting him gone, making the story a tense game of suspicion and survival.

The pacing of the story was just right, keeping the tensions high, yet deliberate enough allowing me to appreciate every twist. The confined setting of the cruise ship adds a claustrophobic edge, intensifying the suspense as the characters have nowhere to run from their darkest truths—or each other.

The dynamic between Natasha and her friends adds depth, showing how jealousy, loyalty, and betrayal can coexist within the same relationships. The shifting perspectives kept me guessing, with shocking reveals that had me questioning everyone’s motives.

In conclusion, this is a gripping, suspenseful thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's the perfect pick if you like stories about toxic relationships, hidden agendas, and the deadly cost of secrets.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and am voluntarily leaving my review.

The Wives was a fast paced read full of twists and turns. It had interesting but not particularly likeable characters which I enjoyed reading about.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.

When this book opened with Natasha getting fed up with a job she once loved, as an intensive care nurse, then meeting Daniel, a handsome charismatic guy that's very rich.
Once they start dating, the red flags are there for all to see, I wanted to shake Natasha and tell her to run.
It's when Daniel suggests they go on a luxury cruise, and she invites her three best friends, Barbara, Michelle, and Tracey Ann, along with their husbands, that things get more interesting.
I thought to begin with this might be another of those books that was oh so predictable and I'm happy I was wrong.
A cruise ship is a great setting to allow the wives and their husbands to start revealing secrets they'd rather remained hidden.
There are some great reveals and shocks along the way. All the women and most of their husbands have had dealings with Daniel and not come out well. None of the other friends knows of their predicaments however.
I liked how the author hinted at the long last affect of the pandemic on nurses. I think a ticking time bomb that's waiting to blow. It also shows how difficult adult friendships are, particularly if not everyone goes off to marry and have children. Being the same age as the characters I could relate to a lot of the struggles.
A really quick read I couldn't put down.

The Wives by Valerie Keogh ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This thriller involves 4 couples on one cruise ship that ends in 1 death and the unraveling of friendship. No one can be trusted and the characters are unreliable.

A brilliant read by Valerie Keogh. An intreguing story from the beginning focusing around the central characters of Daniel & Natasha, who seemingly have it all. 4 girls and their husbands all going on a cruise together paid for and arranged by Daniel, but is all what it seems?

Could not put this book down, an absolutely additive read.

The Wives was a fast paced page turner. The characters weren't very likeable, and they had many secrets from each other. Supposed best friends who set out together on a cruise where secrets begin to be discovered, and events turn deadly. While I didn't love the characters, I did enjoy the storyline. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

When Natasha met Daniel at a gallery opening, their attraction was mutual. He is in finance, always by his phone, constantly working. She is a nurse manager with a successful career, who always thought she’d be someone, unlike her friends who settle down to be housewives.
The foursome, along with Barbara, Michele and Tracy Ann are friends from university, they share their ups and downs through life.
After a few months of meeting David he suggests she moved to his big penthouse with an amazing view of the city. Her tiny flat is not comparison, but it’s her place and conveniently close to the clinic.
After delivering she moved out and shortly after, he proposed.
Her friends think their relationship is going too fast, now she quits her job.
He decides to invite her three friends and their husbands on a seven-night cruise around the Zanzibar Archipelago. Her fiends are skeptical but they agree nonetheless.
Daniel’s success seems to be shady but his not the only one with secrets. The cruise seems to be the perfect setting to discover each and everyone’s hidden past.
I really enjoyed it, I couldn’t put it down

This is my second Valerie Keogh book and I loved it! This read was fast paced and kept me at the edge of my seat. The ending carried the biggest plot twist! Valerie Kepgh is becoming an auto buy author for me!

I will read anything by this author she’s a must read. It’s like a guilty pleasure for me! The only problem I finish the book to fast!!

Natasha feels that her dreams have come true when she meets the handsome perfect Daniel. Natasha believes he’s everything she ever wanted, handsome, charming and wealthy. After getting married she’s shocked when Daniel offers an all-expenses paid cruise for Natasha, her friends, Barbara, Tracy Ann and Michelle, and even their husbands!! Natasha believes this is the perfect time to show off her new life. But as soon as the trip begins Natasha she soon begins to realize that Daniel is not the perfect husband she imagined him to be. It’s apparent that Daniel is hiding dark secrets that are threatening to be exposed and it’s soon apparent that each of the wives have their own reasons for wanting him to die! When you mix alcohol, along with a lot of deception it makes a tense vacation, we watch it all play out. This was a very fast page turner, and a delightful popcorn thriller - perfect for a vacation read. Just be careful who you invite on your next vacation!

Book Review: The Wives by Valerie Keogh

Rating: 2 Stars

As someone who eagerly dives into psychological thrillers, I was excited to pick up The Wives by Valerie Keogh. The premise seemed promising: Natasha, seemingly having it all with her rich and charming husband Daniel, discovers that their perfect life is built on a shaky foundation of lies and secrets. An enticing cruise with friends and their husbands quickly morphs into a dangerous game where everyone has a motive against Daniel. The book promises a gripping plot that should keep you on the edge of your seat.

However, as I sailed through the pages, I found myself stranded in disappointment. The narrative setup was intriguing, with its promise of suspense and drama. Unfortunately, the execution left much to be desired. My biggest hurdle was the characters, each more unlikable than the last. Natasha, who should have been a compelling protagonist caught in a web of deceit, felt flat and difficult to empathize with. Her friends and their husbands didn't fare much better. Instead of rooting for them or feeling invested in their fates, I was mostly detached and frustrated.

The storyline had potential, especially with the revelations and twists that are essential in a thriller. But instead of surprising or thrilling me, the plot twists felt predictable and somewhat forced. There was a lack of depth that made it hard for me to stay engaged. Instead of being drawn into the mystery, I found myself skimming through sections, hoping for something more substantial to latch onto.

Overall, while The Wives had an intriguing concept, it ultimately fell flat for me. The characters were hard to connect with, and the suspense that should have driven the narrative was lacking. It's a two-star read for me—perhaps others might find it more thrilling, but it just didn't hit the mark for this avid thriller fan.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"The Wives" by Valerie Keogh is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complex and dark facets of marriage and trust. The novel masterfully unravels a tale of suspense, mystery, and unexpected revelations that keep the readers hooked.

At the heart of the story is Susan, a woman who seemingly has it all—a successful career, a loving husband, and a comfortable life. However, beneath the surface is a world of secrets and lies that begins to unravel when she discovers her husband, James, has been living a double life. The revelation that James has another wife, Alice, shatters Susan's world and sets off a chain of events that plunge her into a web of deception and danger.

Valerie Keogh skillfully crafts a narrative that alternates between Susan's perspective and Alice's, providing a deep and nuanced exploration of their emotions, motivations, and the psychological impact of betrayal. The characters are well-developed and believable, each grappling with their own inner demons and vulnerabilities.

The plot is tightly woven, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. Keogh's ability to build suspense is exceptional, as she gradually unveils the layers of deceit and the true nature of the characters involved. The pacing is perfect, with a steady build-up of tension that culminates in a thrilling and satisfying climax.

One of the standout elements of the novel is its exploration of the themes of trust, loyalty, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets. Keogh deftly portrays the emotional turmoil and moral dilemmas faced by the characters, making their struggles relatable and compelling.

"The Wives" is a captivating and thought-provoking thriller that will leave you questioning the nature of trust and the complexities of human relationships. Valerie Keogh has delivered a masterful and unforgettable story.

This novel is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted tale of suspense and intrigue.

What a great read with twists and turns, secrets revealed. Interesting characters and how they interacted. Would recommend this book