The Last Wife

The Last Wife follows Nina, who becomes obsessed with her deceased friend Marie and insinuates herself into the life of Marie's widowed husband, Stuart. Nina moves into their former home as a tenant and begins to uncover details about Marie's seemingly perfect life and marriage. Nina's involvement grows increasingly complex as she forms connections with Stuart and his young children while harboring her own hidden motives. Her investigation into Marie's past reveals layers of secrets and deceptions that challenge Nina's understanding of her friend. The story explores themes of identity, obsession, and the often illusory nature of perfect relationships. Through Nina's unreliable perspective, the narrative examines how grief and longing can distort reality and lead people down dangerous paths.

Readers describe this psychological thriller as a slow-burn story that builds tension gradually. Many found the protagonist Nina unreliable and difficult to connect with, though some felt this added to the suspense. Readers appreciated: - The atmospheric Greek island setting - Complex relationship dynamics - Unpredictable plot twists in the final third - The dual timeline structure Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the first half - Too many coincidences in the plot - Characters making unrealistic decisions - Ending felt rushed to some readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 3.9/5 (1,900+ ratings) BookBub: 3.8/5 (400+ ratings) "The build-up was worth it for the explosive ending" - Goodreads reviewer "Too many implausible scenarios stretched credibility" - Amazon reviewer "Kept me guessing but the main character's choices frustrated me" - BookBub reviewer

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📖 Author Karen Hamilton was a flight attendant for many years before becoming a writer, lending authenticity to her frequent use of travel elements in her thrillers. 🏠 The story's Cornwall setting features prominently in the novel, with its dramatic coastline and isolated properties serving as the perfect backdrop for psychological suspense. 💑 The book explores the complex dynamics of second marriages and stepfamilies, a theme that affects approximately 40% of married couples in the UK. 🔍 Like Hamilton's other works, including "The Perfect Girlfriend," this novel delves into obsessive behavior and the psychological impact of past trauma on present relationships. 📚 The novel was published in 2020 during the height of the pandemic lockdowns, when domestic thrillers saw a significant surge in popularity among readers seeking escapist entertainment.