The Wife Between Us by Hendricks and Pekkanen

THE WIFE BETWEEN US

Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

Ok, so I like a story with a dual narrative, dual timeline, unreliable narrators and a twist that I barely ever see coming and this book ticked all of those boxes. I am fascinated by the fact this is written jointly- I'd love to know more about the writing process and how two people could write simultaneously on one novel and execute such a complex plot so flawlessly!

So what is it about? Well, it appears from the title you might be able to guess the main thrust of the story. A wife, a girlfriend and a husband - a love triangle. This is, after all, the genre of domestic noir. This is, after all, a psychological thriller. 

Well, there's your first mistake. Never, ever assume anything! Particularly what goes on behind closed doors - and particularly how carefully you should listen to what you are being told. Pay attention!

The authors start the novel with two characters, Nellie and Vanessa, who we hear from in alternating chapters. One is the spurned wife. One is the new girlfriend preparing for her wedding day. One is jaded, bitter and jealous. One is young, beautiful and perfect. One is obsessed and setting out on a course of destruction and revenge. One is naive, oblivious and clearly offering Richard, the object of everyone's affection, the promise of a more stable and happier future. 

Oh yes. Got it all worked out haven't you. 

Yes, well, think again. Or re-read the chapter as I did. Or look up and try and ask the random person sitting next to you on the train if they know what just happened and can they please just talk you through it again. (They couldn't and swiftly moved to the other end of the carriage.) 

This is clever stuff. 

So, I can't really talk about the plot because I can't see how I can without spoiling it or without giving anything away. But what I will say is I was really enjoying this story anyway. Jealousy, rivalry, obsession and secrets never fail to fascinate me and I do like a thriller, so I was happily turning pages and acknowledging the good writing and characterisation. Then it just, well, it just got even better. 

So watch out because when you think you have it all figured out, this book will quietly trip you up. From then on you will need a paper and pen - or a friendly commuter - to help you chart who said what, where and when and you'll be sitting up, bolt upright, as the book delves further into darkness, further into a story with more complications, secrets and revelations, and hurtles along to a denouement that you'll be holding your breath for. 

Enjoy. I did. 

The Wife Between Us is published by PanMacMillan on the 8th February 2018. 

My thanks to the publisher for an advance copy via NetGalley.