What the Wife Knew is the fifth stand-alone domestic thriller from the twisted mind (and pen) of Darby Kane. Like all of Darby Kane’s work, this rollercoaster of a novel starts by laying all the groundwork before the first hairpin turn sends the reader on an exciting and bumpy journey that is so fast-paced most will soon forget their hectic holiday schedules to settle in for a one-sit reading experience.
Addison Dougherty is pissed. Her “beloved” husband is dead, and all types of rumors are being spread around their tightknit community. It’s not that she’s sad he’s gone—that was always her plan anyway—but to be accused of murder when she didn’t even get to enjoy the thrill of making it happen is simply not fair.
This is the tangled mess Darby Kane drops readers right into the middle of as What the Wife Knew begins. You see, Dr. Richmond Doughtery is too-good-to-be-true: a pediatric surgeon who was once hailed as a national hero for courageous efforts during an infamous school shooting. He also happens to be the type of man everyone hates—no one more so than is newest wife, Addison. It quickly becomes clear that someone is trying to frame Addison for his murder. A task that is going to be easier than normal since she’s been plotting his demise since before they met, fell in love, and got married.
As the first half of What the Wife Knew unspools, readers understand that sometimes what others see from the outside is nothing compared to what is going on inside. The police are closing in on Addison and she refuses to go down for something she didn’t do—even if she’s pretty darn happy Richmond is dead. Things get even more complicated in the second half of the novel when a second POV character is thrown into the mix.
Readers meet Richmond’s colleagues, his first wife, their kids, Addison’s mother, and more as this web of lies and deceit grows. With short chapters and constantly shifting allegiances, Darby Kane keeps the reader turning pages long into the night. While the developments are constantly over-the-top, they never get so ridiculous as to be completely unrealistic. Despite her many flaws, Addison remains likable, and some readers will certainly relate to her complex situation—albeit hopefully not the thoughts of vigilante justice it inspires.
Darby Kane’s What the Wife Knew is a gripping read that is sure to entertain domestic suspense readers looking for a unique storyline full of unexpected reveals—something that is quickly becoming a trademark of this author.
BUY LINKS: What the Wife Knew by Darby Kane
Disclaimer: A print galley of this title was provided to BOLO Books by the publisher. No promotion was promised and the above is an unbiased review of the novel.
