Saturday, July 27, 2013

THE SILENT WIFE

Author:  A.S.A. Harrison
Genre:  Psychological Thriller, Standalone
Published:  2013
Personal Rating:  4/5 (very good)
Format:  eBook
Yearly Count:  58


From NetGalley:
A psychotherapist with a small private practice, Jodi likes things orderly and predictable, mapped out well in advance. Jodi’s husband Todd, a thriving entrepreneur, is intuitive, spontaneous, and fond of taking risks. Their home, a sumptuous waterfront condo on North Westshore Drive in Chicago, has spacious rooms, plush carpets, and an unimpeded view of the lake stretching to the horizon. Jodi takes pleasure in the tranquil routines of her life: walking the dog by the water, seeing her few, carefully selected clients, practicing her culinary skills, and enjoying a martini with Todd when he gets home from work. Todd’s success in business makes their comfortable life possible, and for this Jodi is willing to overlook his occasional indiscretions. She is good at keeping silent and giving him space, makes a habit of turning a blind eye … until the day comes when he goes too far.

This had chapters that captured my full attention, yet others that let me down.  I loved being deeply engrossed, but the in and out of intensity bothered me some.  I almost rated it a 4.25/5, but the couple times on the yo-yo string wasn't a good thing.  

I can understand the comparisons to Gone Girl, and I agree with the complaints about The Silent Wife having no likable characters.  I didn't like any of them either, but I was glued to the story and wanted to know how it all was going to turn out.  I think that takes some serious writing skills to be able to pull that off.

The Chicago setting was perfect.  I don't know Chicago well, but well-enough, and I could picture right where they were living.

It's so unfortunate that A.S.A. Harrison has passed away.  I would have been first in line to get her next book.






My thanks go to Penguin Group and NetGalley for providing me with this eGalley.

15 comments:

  1. I don't have to like characters to like a book. I need to get my hands on this one.

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    1. Bermudaonion ~ I think it's worth seeking out. :)

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  2. I'm curious about this one but after Gone Girl I felt like I needed a long long hot shower. LOL! And it wasn't like there were any redeemable characters in that book! It helps if I can relate to a character but it isn't necessary for a book to still be a great read.

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    1. Trish ~ I think you'll be able to relate here and there, just not in full. Gone Girl was much more dynamic, but I enjoyed this one, too.

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  3. With your high rating I'm going to have to read this book at some point. That is sad about the author passing away.

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    1. Staci ~ I hope you give it a chance.

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  4. I've been curious about this book ever since I read Bellezza's review. I thoroughly enjoyed Gone Girl and am anxious to read another psychological thriller. I hope to get to it later this summer.

    BTW, did you notice that this and your previous read (The Story of Beautiful Girl) have similar covers? :)

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    1. Les ~ I'm curious about what you'll think. Especially if you feel the yo-yo like I did. I understand that intensity must wane and wax, but something didn't set right with me.

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    2. Les ~ Oops! Forgot to add . . .

      Yes, I did notice the covers and thought that was interesting. I wondered if instead of going with just body shots (a million of those covers out there), that now it's shifting to just head shots.

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  5. Anonymous11:25 PM

    Gone Girl was one that left me mad. I'd be willing to try one that is similar though so I'll have to look for this one.

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    1. Stacybuckeye ~ Hmmm. I don't want to be the cause of any anger, so maybe you should pass on this one. ;)

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  6. This one really sounds good!

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    1. Literary Feline ~ I liked it! :) Be prepared to not like anybody though.

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  7. I felt the same way, some chapters were just blah and then the next one would pull me right back in. The Chicago setting was like another character to me and that kept me interested too.

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    1. Leslie ~ I know what you mean about Chicago. It IS a character! :)

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Happy Reading!