I have to open with a very stern warning about My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney. Do NOT start this the evening before an important appointment or event. You will absolutely be up all night turning the pages, and you’ll arrive at your appointment boggle eyed and (if you haven’t finished it) more interested in getting back to your book.
This is another outstanding psychological thriller from the author of His & Hers. As with that novel, this one is told in alternating voices and will keep readers off guard and confused about who’s doing what and why.
Eden Fox returns home from her regular run to find that her key doesn’t open her front door. Confused, she rings the bell – and is confronted by a woman who looks like her. She is wearing her clothes and insists that she is Eden Fox. Eden’s husband agrees that this second woman is his wife.
Obviously, someone is lying. But who? It’s not long before the police are involved. Carter, the young and local officer, is aware he’s relatively inexperienced, but even so, he’s not thrilled by the arrival of his new senior officer, Olivia Bird. Both are dedicated officers, but it soon becomes clear that they also have secrets which might impact the investigation.
Each chapter is related in the first person by one of several characters: primarily Eden, Carter, and Olivia Bird, though later in the novel, other characters get their narrative turn, too. Despite the frequent shifts in point of view, it’s easy to keep track. Each voice is very distinctive.
However, they’re all keeping secrets, enabling Feeney to credibly keep quite a bit of information back and keep readers off balance with revelations that sharply change your erceptions and theories. And just when you think it’s all done, Feeney wallops you with a couple of last twists.
This is a complicated plot, and some readers might find it a bit hard to believe. I wasn’t bothered while I was reading: the situation and the narrative are both so compelling that I was utterly engrossed in the story. I did have to think about it for a few minutes at the end to make sure I’d got it all straight… this is twisty and full of surprises, but ultimately everything comes together.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy complex and tightly plotted novels, compelling narratives, strong characters, and books which absorb you. Many readers will find this a book they read in a sitting.
ISBN: 978 1035083015
Copy courtesy of Pan Macmillan (2026)
A selection of our Beauty and Lace Club Members are reading My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney. You can read their comments below, or add your own review.
I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing that joy.
I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember, across all genres. There’s not much I won’t at least try. I’ve been an enthusiastic book reviewer for years. I particularly enjoy discovering writers new to me, and sharing good writing with others.
My career has included time spent writing and editing technical documents, but it’s fiction that really moves me. I’ve reviewed for a number of different outlets over the years, and have been a judge in literary competitions.
I’m now raising little bookworms of my own, which brings a whole new kind of joy to sharing books.
More of my reviews can be found on my review blog www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog .
My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney (Pan Macmillan) is a definite page turner. But my goodness, it is a complicated thriller, with so many twists and turns I found it impossible to piece together until the very end! And yes it certainly keeps you glued to the pages.
Nothing and no one is what or who they first seem to be. Each chapter is primarily narrated by one of the main characters, Eden, Harrison, Birdy, or Carter, but occasionally other characters narrate a chapter as well. From each of these characters you get a slightly different perspective of what is happening. It is a very clever way to not only keep the reader guessing (and hooked) but also to give the reader insights into each character’s minds !
This really is an incredibly convoluted and intriguing story involving deception, betrayal, revenge and family love all set in a quiet little town called Hope Falls on the Cornish coastline. An enjoyable read!