Member Reviews

This book took me some time to get into, but once it gets going, it doesn't stop. I didn't find the twists all that jaw-dropping, but they made sense for the story and kept the tension high. I also really enjoyed reading from both POVs, especially getting into the characters' internal thoughts. While none of the characters were particularly likable (sometimes very annoying), their flaws made them feel realistic.

Overall, I thought the writing was strong, and the story kept me engaged. I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author!

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It's only recently that I've been willing to take a chance on thrillers again, especially this domestic thriller subgenre. And I'll be the first to admit it, I fell for the marketing copy. However, this was... fine.

What worked: it was well-paced and a quick read. The alternating perspectives were successful and the initial hook - two kids went to prom but only one came home - kept me sufficiently interested,

What didn't work: The 'breathtaking twist' I was promised was nowhere to be found, only the conclusion I had been expecting for most of the book, one that has been recycled in enough soap operas to be the only obvious answer.

This book has plenty of glowing reviews from others, so no need to listen to this jaded reader who has lost the ability to be surprised.

Thanks, NetGalley!

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Gripping psychological thriller with some good twists
Fast paced throughout
Enjoyed the plot
Thought the characters were fascinating

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Good book, though we spend a bit too much time asking ourselves what really happened in the past. The ending surprised me in a good way.

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I love this authors work. I think she writes such great thrillers. I enjoyed this one and it kept me entertained for most of it.

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Sue Watson’s Wife, Mother, Liar is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers guessing until the very end. With a masterful blend of suspense, family drama, and shocking twists, Watson explores the dark secrets lurking behind the facade of an ordinary life.

The story revolves around [protagonist’s name], a seemingly perfect wife and mother whose life begins to unravel when [key inciting incident]. As the layers of her carefully curated world are peeled back, long-buried secrets come to light, revealing a web of deceit, betrayal, and unexpected connections. Watson’s ability to draw readers into the protagonist’s increasingly chaotic mind makes the journey both thrilling and unsettling.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its characterization. The protagonist is complex and deeply flawed, yet undeniably compelling. The supporting cast, from family members to those circling her life, are equally well-crafted, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative. Readers will find themselves questioning who can be trusted—and whether the protagonist is as reliable as she seems.

Watson’s writing is sharp and evocative, with just the right balance of tension and pacing. Every chapter leaves the reader eager to uncover the next layer of the mystery. Themes of trust, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to protect their family are explored with psychological depth, making the story not only a thriller but also a reflection on human relationships.

Fans of domestic thrillers like those by Shari Lapena or Lisa Jewell will find Wife, Mother, Liar to be an unputdownable read. With its intricate plotting and jaw-dropping twists, it’s a story that will linger in readers’ minds long after the final page.

Final Thoughts: Sue Watson’s Wife, Mother, Liar is a masterclass in psychological suspense. Packed with twists, emotional depth, and an unforgettable protagonist, it’s a must-read for fans of the genre. Watson once again proves her prowess in crafting stories that captivate and surprise.

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Love Sue Watsons books and was looking forward to this one.

a psychologival thriller with great charaters and lots of twists and turns.

Kept me gripped from the beginning

Another great read

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This is my second book by the author Sue Watson and it was much better than the first although I liked first too. I understand the themes of her books now and if I somehow had understood it before I might not have picked this up but I'm glad I didn't.

Infidelity & extra marital affairs irks me and somehow these characters do not have an ounce of integrity which makes me hate them. Tim was the first person I hated but later I realised that other characters were even worse than him.

First part of the book was getting quite repetitive and dull. I really wasn't interested in knowing what happened as I felt both Wendy and Jill are hateful and resentful. From the first page, it was clear that the friendship was just a show. They really didn't care for each other. And as story moved ahead, I hated them both so much. Actually every character I hated. I didn't feel anything for anyone of them but I think that's the point.

Even when you don't care, you want to know what happened to every one of them. Towards the end I was blown. I was thinking I had figured it out but boy, was I wrong. The twists and turns were totally unexpected. This twisted and dark tale was full of mystery and was able to keep me in dark for a very long time.

It was fun reading this book.

Thank you Netgalley and bookouture for the amazing ARC in exchange of an honest review and.

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Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Sue Watson's "Wife, Mother, Liar" is a psychological thriller that will leave you breathless. It's a chilling exploration of the corrosive power of guilt and the lengths we'll go to protect our fragile identities.

Watson masterfully crafts a sense of unease from the very first page. The protagonist, a seemingly perfect wife and mother, harbors a dark secret that threatens to unravel her carefully constructed life. As the narrative unfolds, the reader is drawn into a web of deceit, where every seemingly innocuous detail takes on a sinister undertone.

"Wife, Mother, Liar" apart is full of unexpected twists. Watson expertly subverts expectations, keeping the reader constantly guessing.

The ending is particularly masterful, leaving a lasting impact long after the final page is turned.

"Wife, Mother, Liar" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of suppressing the truth.

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Fast paced triller with twists and turned that kept me guessing to the end, Every chapter I had no idea what was going to happen next, brilliant

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Thank you, NetGalley and publisher for this ARC. This is the first book that I read from this author, but it definitely will not be the last! This was a fantastic, psychological thriller that had me right from the first page!! The characters were well-developed and relatable, and I absolutely love the plot and all the twists that came about! I would highly recommend this book to people that enjoy psychological, thrillers and books with a lot of action and heart pounding suspense!!

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. This book was a little lackluster for me. It just needed a little more ..anything. More plot, more intrigue, more excitement. It just didn’t grip me.

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I absolutely loved this one. It's probably one of my favorite books by her. I loved the storyline and the character deployment. I would give this book 5 our of 5 stars.

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Thank you Bookoutre and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

This book was like a rollercoaster for me, one that starts slowly and seems safe enough, not too crazy, coasting along in an enjoyable way and then bam, it’s off. Hold one tight there are lots of turns and not necessarily when you expect them.

A great book which I enjoyed and couldn’t get back to, which is always the teller this is a potential five star read for me. Two things prevented it making that, the speech / thoughts between Jill and Wendy and the ending.

I enjoy books that switch between different characters each chapter however with this one I often didn’t know, within each chapter and often each page, who was “talking” . I found this distracting and annoying especially I’d I could only read a page here and there at school pick up etc. I found I was often having to go back and retrace until I know who the narrator was where I left off the last time.

The ending seemed very far-fetched to me. I know, it’s a thriller, it’s fiction, however I feel it would have had more punch for me if the extra “fluff” / drama was left out and just the main punch was the king hit.

These two points aside, I really enjoyed this book, and I give it 4.5 stars. I’ll definitely be reading more from Sue Watson.

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Thanks to NetGalley, publishers and author for an ARC of Wife, Mother, Liar.

I've read a few Sue Watson books, and I've yet to come across a bad story written by her. This is a tense story, with little nuggets of information dropping every chapter send the reader down one path or another regarding whodunit.
I did have to concentrate, as the book flips between two women's viewpoints and I managed to confuse myself more than once.
However I still think this is a great book, recommend

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A mother suffers the loss of her teenage son on prom night. In the pursuit of finding out the truth behind his death, she corners her best friend, who she is adamant knows more than she is letting on. If you enjoy a fast-paced book with twists and turns throughout. You would enjoy this read! I didn't want to put it down and ended up reading it in one sitting! I really felt connected to the mother who was on a downward spiral while searching for the truth and not getting the answers she wanted. I look forward to reading more by this author!

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I was really excited for this one. It had a similar plot to a favorite book of mine. Sadly, it just wasn’t for me. It sounds exciting. A mother on a quest to find out the truth about her son’s death. Neighbors who were best friends for years, families intertwined. Who knows something? The book just fell flat. I didn’t like any of the characters, nothing was very surprising and I found myself skimming pages that seemed repetitive or dull. It wasn’t what I expected.

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This book kept me up all night with all its twists and turns! I couldn't believe how hard this book was to put down! Be prepared to read this in one sitting! All I can say is WOW!

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I’ve read several books by Sue Watson & she’s definitely a must read author. She writes exciting thrillers filled with twists galore. The was a quick and thrilling read! Not only heartbreaking, it’s also filled with secrets that keep unraveling until the end. If you love a great psychological thriller, read this!

Thank you, Sue Watson, Bookouture, & netgalley for my early gifted copy! All opinions are my own.

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Sue Watson writes engaging, twisty thrillers and this latest book doesn’t disappoint.
Two women, best friends and neighbors, embark on a journey of lost husbands,children and friendship.
What I enjoyed about this book were the alternating chapters, told by each woman. The stories unfold between “ now” and “ then” as well.
The final chapters culminate with reveals and twists.
Excellent book, 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture publishers for the advanced copy in return for my honest review.

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