Release date: March 18, 2025

Publisher: MIRA

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

HIS FIRST WIFE DIED. NOW THERE’S A VACANCY…

When Emma meets Matthew, a kind, handsome widower, he seems to be just what she needs.

Yet as their relationship moves fast, Emma’s friends worry she might be exploited. She’s a rich woman after all.

Emma doesn’t care Matthew has no money. But as the memory of his perfect first wife hangs over them, Emma does have one tiny doubt.

If Matthew’s wife hadn’t died, he wouldn’t be with her. And Emma wonders if she’s second best. Can she ever fill the dead woman’s shoes?

As jealousy and suspicion blossom between Emma and Matthew, events take a darker, dangerous turn.

Suddenly Emma doesn’t know who she can trust. Her friends? Her husband? Or even herself…?

Review:

This is another slow burn domestic suspense by an author that I know will deliver, you just have to be patient to get to the good stuff. She tends to lay the groundwork in a methodical manner which can take some time in the beginning. Once you get to the action things do pick up in a major way and that’s when I became fully invested. The premise here was good, you have Emma ignoring several red flags about her new boyfriend, Matthew and you think it will go in one direction, but I was pleasantly surprised it veered off course slightly. In the second half there are tons of reveals and turns and I was never quite sure what would happen next. If you like slow burn thrillers, unlikable characters, surprising twists and dramatic endings try this! 

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.