My Lovely Wife is Samantha Downing’s debut novel, and it’s really difficult to believe it’s a debut because it’s damn good! The dysfunctional, nontraditional love story between the couple in this book was such a different and refreshing read.

This book has the BEST ever start I have read in a thriller. Kicking you hard in the start, awaking you(well I was reading this in the bed) the story introduces us the model family, a happily married couple, Millicent and her husband (his real name is never revealed if I didn’t miss it), and their 2 teenager kids. Millicent is a devoted wife, with a controlling authority, and as her husband starts telling us more about her and their life, we kind of sense, jeez, something is going on!

For a while I was literally like this woman in the picture, holding the book tight, trying to get what the hell is wrong with this couple!

So I would recommend DO NOT READ any reviews as the world is dark and full of spoilers, don’t jinx this amazing thriller for your good eyes.

So do not read the rest of this review if you haven’t read this book, please, as the rest has some mild spoilers.

This book is by far the best thriller I have read this year. There’s only one reason I’m knocking of 1 star and giving this book a 4.

Although I enjoyed the overall story, I was a bit disappointed for not knowing more about M’s motives, or what went on her mind. When I finished, it felt like that piece was missing, would have loved to read her point of view as well..But hey, you can’t have it all and this still was a fantastic read delivering all the promises. I loved the way Downing picked a male protagonist and the way she excellently delivers this character is just a joy to read. The husband in this book might be one of the best male characters written by a female author!

4 stars from me!

A little note:  Millicent’s eyes are told as GREEN in the book, if I’m not mistaken, so I am confused why the UK cover picked a blue eyed lady for the cover? Is  mystery to me…

Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

My Lovely Wife is being published in the UK by Michael Joseph, on 2nd of May 2019: Save the date!

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