Was a DNF for me,some of the story was unbelievable ie going to a conference the day after being in hospital and some of the dialogue repetitive and nothing much happened for chapter after chapter, also very unlikeable characters,apologies as usually love this authors books

The Good Wife by Jacqui Rose delivers a dark and gripping tale of secrets, betrayal, and gangland drama. This is a gritty thriller that plunges readers into the underbelly of London’s Soho and the dangerous worlds that intersect there.

The story follows Ava Barclay, a psychologist with a turbulent past and a talent for making destructive choices. Her life takes a harrowing turn when her father, Billy, is brutally attacked, leaving Ava to uncover unsettling truths about his hidden identity. As she ventures deeper into the seedy Soho underworld to unravel the mystery, her double life—full of lies, infidelity, and questionable decisions—threatens to tear her world apart.

Jacqui Rose masterfully portrays the harsh realities of the gangland setting, painting vivid images of both its glamour and its violence. Ava is a flawed and complex character; while she isn’t particularly likable, her journey is undeniably compelling. The story is packed with tension and drama, keeping readers hooked as the layers of Ava’s past and present unravel.

While comparisons to authors like Kimberley Chambers are inevitable, Rose brings her unique style to the genre, delivering a plot full of twists and moments of raw emotion. However, some readers may find the characters less memorable or relatable than in similar novels. Ava’s self-destructive tendencies can make her difficult to root for, but this also adds to the authenticity of her struggles.

Overall, The Good Wife is an intense, fast-paced read perfect for fans of gritty crime thrillers. Jacqui Rose doesn’t shy away from the dark and depraved, creating a story that leaves you unsettled and eager to see what happens next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

What a well-written book.

Most of the time it is around three people. Tom his wife Chloe and Savanagh a high-class escort. Other characters pop up throughout this story.

Domestic abuse at its best.
Tom is a control freak and Chloe does everything he asks of her even how many mouthfuls of food she eats.
He lays out the clothes he wants her to wear and demands a nightie with different colors for her to wear whatever his mood is and she politely obeys

Tom's depraved and clever although he plays havoc with her mind, he's careful not to lash out physically and show any bruises.

Wow, what a fabulous book, after reading it. i felt that I'd done 100 situps as my stomach was so tense and in knots.
Gemma Rogers writes some fabulous books and i have read them all but this one was a real cracke

One of my favourite reads is gritty gang land thriller so I had high hopes for The Good Wife. The story revolves around around Ava Barclay who is on a slippery path of self-destruction, a psychologist she maybe but she’s a character with HUGE issues.

As for Ava being a “good wife” to her cop husband Tony that’s highly debatable, she prefers to lie, cheat and makes bad choices throughout her marriage. When her father, Billy, is attacked and left for dead, Ava learns that her problems are about to get a lot worse when she find out her dad isn’t who he says he is. To find out the truth Ava must head into the dark, seedy world of Soho.

Jacqui Rose’s writing has been compared to my old time favourite author Kimberley Chambers although there are similarities I felt Roses characters weren’t particularly memorable. Ava isn’t a likeable character so I found I didn’t really care what happened to her! The plot though is fascinating, gritty and packs a real punch so definitely worth a read if your a fan of gangland thrillers.

Great book by a great author.

Dr Barclay wants to be a good wife to her copper husband, and turn her life around. her life is on a path of self destruction because of her father…..

A rollercoaster of a story which keeps you reading.

Great book

Ava Barclay was to be a good wife to Tony who is a cop
She was so mad that having a mother when she was so young that her mother was leaving her
Her Father called Billy
But when she was older she had to go and look for him and find out the truth of her father
I had an ARC

Nottingham and London.
Dr Ava Barclay psychologist wants to be a good wife to her copper husband Tony. No more drugs no more been unfaithful she has to stop.
She's now on a path of distruction, she's taking down a path by her father Billy Fields.
Who really is this man claiming to be her father?
Oh Wow Oh Gosh this is one fast pace read from start to finish. Mind-blowing chapters, the author is back delivering to her readers once again.
Absolutely loved this read right up to the ending. It's a cracker.

i absolutely adore Jacqui Rose and this book did not disappoint. I was hooked from the beginning to the end of the book.

thank you for the opportunity to review

I love this Authors books and this did not disappoint. Ava has it all she has her own business as a psychologist and a loving husband who is in the police force. And she likes to be the good wife but Ava leads a double life she has a very complicated r with her father and it is going to get worse. when something happens to her and her father. Ava has to go on a journey to get the answers to find out exactly what her father is hiding a very addictive read so recommend

An amazing book. Could not put this down. So many twists and turns. I loved it. This genre is my favourite and this is one of my fave books this year

Thank you to Netgallery and the publisher for this ARC. The publication date is the 2nd Jan 2025. I stumbled across this author and I’m so glad I did!

I devoured this book in a one sitting! The plot was engaging, suspenseful and addictive I flew through it and couldn’t put it down! This book explores the dark corners of the London underworld as Ava searches for answers. The question is: Ava is she really ‘The Good Wife’.

I’d highly recommend this book it’s a must read for 2025!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟stars

Absolutely amazing, loved the storyline and how it ended, never a disappointment in her books, I can’t wait to see what the next book involves AAA

Another amazing book by Jacqui . Her writing is so intense and gritty that you find you have powered through her books in no time and this is no exception I loved it !!

What fantastic read from Jacqui rose . Love this author her books just get better and better each time .Can't wait for her next one .

Psychologist Ava Barclay leads a double life full of secrets that not even her detective husband Tony is aware of.
This is a gritty and compelling read that takes you into the London underworld as Ava searches for the truth about her family.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

An absolutely outstanding author. I'm a huge fan of Jacqui Rose and have read all her books.
I was eager to start this one.
Read in no time, once started it's one of those you just can not put down.
Ava is full of secrets, she has been leading a double life that even her husband isn't aware of. This double life is going to cause trouble and not only for Ava.
it's an intense and gripping read and for all those Jacqui Rose fans out there this is a must read.
It good to have Jacqui back and writing the books we have missed.

This is a dark and intense read that covers the harsh realities of the world she writes about so well, making this another solid read from Jacqui Rose.
The main character Ava has a secret side that leads her into dangerous situations that she mostly remembers nothing about and when she delves deeper into her past things come to light that shake her to her core and who can she really believe while trying to get to the truth?
The author is definitely at the top of her game.
RECOMMENDED
Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillian for the ARC.