I’m not 100% sure how to rate this book. It definitely kept me turning pages, but it wasn’t exactly what I thought it would be.

It’s supposed to be a thriller, and it started out like one for sure! But it ended up more like a drama, which was still interesting, but it seemed like it was missing the thriller aspects I was waiting for.

I loved all the little twists and turns in the story, the second guessing of everything that was happening, and the mystery of it all.

Don’t get me wrong, I still thoroughly enjoyed this story! It was just not as advertised, I guess.

It actually ended up being quite sad.

My only complaint is that there are unanswered questions and it kind of ended abruptly after a certain event. Other than that, it’s a page-turner!

Instagram review will be on Jan. 11 (my book tour date)!

I’ve seen some really good reviews for this book, but unfortunately, this story didn’t grip me the way it seems to have for other readers.

Jill’s husband Tim has always been a serial cheater, and he’s now leaving Jill for woman named Angela. Jill’s whole life is full of loss - her parents are gone, she’s had several miscarriages, and her miracle son Leo is dead. With Tim leaving her too, she decides to get out of town.

Her best friend and neighbor Wendy is also having problems in her marriage with Robert, so they rent cottage in Wales while Tim is moving out of their house. Long story short, secrets come out during their trip that threaten to destroy both women.

The synopsis is vague for a reason - there wasn’t much of a plot until the end. I kept waiting for the thing that had other reviewers giving this five stars, and there was a surprise in the end, but by then I was already over the story and it didn’t seem very shocking. The writing was good, but the story itself needed more. More excitement, more buildup, more explanations would all have been good, but as the book stands, it wasn’t one that I particularly enjoyed. Three stars.

(Thank you to Bookouture, Sue Watson and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on January 10, 2025.)

I am so happy and proud to say that I received this book from NetGalley as an ARC reader. As an ARC reader, I am given the honor of reading books before they are published and creating a review of the book gifted. Sue Watson has been one of my favorite authors since 2012 and every time I get to read one of her books, I am always enthralled! This book was captivating from the very beginning. I was intrigued with the characters and couldn’t put the book down because of the well-written story line. Sue is such a dynamic author that she easily kept the story fascinating without adding unnecessary plot points. Since the story had two different viewpoints from both Jill and Wendy, it was able to keep me guessing. An easy recommendation from me to you…you will love this new thriller from Sue Watson!

I am so happy and proud to say that I received this book from NetGalley as an ARC reader. As an ARC reader, I am given the honor of reading books before they are published and creating a review of the book gifted. Sue Watson has been one of my favorite authors since 2012 and every time I get to read one of her books, I am always enthralled! This book was captivating from the very beginning. I was intrigued with the characters and couldn’t put the book down because of the well-written story line. Sue is such a dynamic author that she easily kept the story fascinating without adding unnecessary plot points. Since the story had two different viewpoints from both Jill and Wendy, it was able to keep me guessing. An easy recommendation from me to you…you will love this new thriller from Sue Watson!

Best friends Jill and Wendy are also neighbours. Wendy Married Robert and had three children. She is also more down to earth than her neighbour Jill who is more strait laced and is married to Tim who has a roving eye. She also struggles to conceive. Until Jill finally has a son Leo. When Leo is born their friendship falters as Wendy takes Motherhood in her stride, but Jill is more cautious and doesn’t mix much with other people.
Years later when Leo is attending his Prom he goes to the event with Wendy’s daughter Olivia. But only one of them comes home when Leo is found dead. Jill wonders if Olivia had something to do with it. But no one is saying anything. Jill wants to find out the truth, so she invites Wendy on a weekend away to get the truth whatever the cost.
I found this to be an intriguing multi layered story of friendship, relationships, secrets and lies. I must admit it was a bit slow for me to start and I for me got confused a bit of who is who due to the alternate chapters. It got to the best part and I really enjoyed when Jill was in a coma and slowly what happened that night of the prom was revealed. 4 stars from me.

WOW!! This is my first time reading Sue Watson and WHOA! What a ride. What an exciting & gripping book. I couldn’t put it down. It had me hooked from the very beginning. The twists and turns were amazing. I recommend this book you will not be disappointed.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this eARC.

This book is very well written and I liked the plot and twists. I wasn't able to predict this book which is always great. I enjoyed the dual point of view. I did feel like it took a while to get into the "twists" but I'm glad I stuck with this!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

Name :- Wife Mother Liars
Author :- Sue Watson
Genre :- Psychological Thriller
Wife Mother Liar is an electrifying domestic thriller that delves into the dark secrets buried within a seemingly perfect family. With its layered narrative and suspenseful plot, this book masterfully examines the lengths people go to in order to protect their loved ones—and the lies they tell themselves along the way.
What I like :-
1 Complex Protagonist: The unnamed narrator is a richly drawn character—a wife, mother, and liar grappling with her own secrets while trying to navigate the deceit of those around her. Her inner turmoil and flawed decisions add depth and emotional weight to the story.
2 Unpredictable Twists: Watson keeps readers guessing, with shocking revelations that unravel the picture-perfect façade of the protagonist’s family life.
What I didn't like :-
1 Predictable Moments: Despite the twists, seasoned thriller readers might foresee a few key plot points.
Overall :- Wife Mother Liar is a gripping and emotionally charged thriller that keeps readers on edge until the very end. With its exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the weight of secrets, it’s perfect for fans of domestic noir and psychological suspense. While a few elements could have been more fleshed out, Sue Watson delivers a chilling tale that will leave readers questioning how far they would go to protect their family.
My Rating: 4/5

Sue Watson does it again. 👏 I was hooked from the very first page. I love all the test and turns. And that she doesn't add 90 extra chapters of unnecessary bits.

Overall, it was a decent read! I enjoyed the dual POV and the flashbacks. I didn’t expect the plot twist, which actually caught me by surprise. The author did very well with building up the suspense of what truly happened on prom night. The ending also surprised me and it was a proper ending for this book.

Thank you NetGalley! I have enjoyed many books by this author with this one being no exception. I was surprised by a few of the reveals in the book as I thought they would be something else. It really made me feel for both main characters as they told the story

Gripped me right from the start and couldn't put it down I read it in a couple of hours, I was so engaged. Kept me guessing all the way through too

Ruby is such a relatable character (even if some of her decisions made me want to shake my head). You can’t help but get sucked into her world, and you’ll find yourself wondering what you’d do in her shoes. The whole "who can you trust?" vibe kept me on edge, and I love when a book keeps me thinking long after I’ve finished it.

Sue Watson’s writing style is super engaging—light enough to keep things moving but still with that depth that makes the suspense real. It’s the perfect book to read when you need something that’s both thrilling and entertaining.

ill and Wendy are best friends they have watched their children growing up together. Jill has a son and Wendy has a daughter. they became friends when Jill moved in with her husband on the same estate the husbands became firm friends. everything looks good in Jills life until one night. the school prom, her son never comes home. his girlfriend is Wendy's daughter. they say was an accident but Jill does not believe it she wants the truth an amazing gripping read

So I started this today and finished it today. Excellent story with so much secrets. There were a lot of jaw dropping twists up until the very end!

“Wife Mother Liar” is the fourth book by author Sue Watson that I’ve read so far. Psychological thrillers with twists and turns are one of my favorite genres and this book did not disappoint.

At the center of this book are secrets, lies and the consequences that may follow deeply affecting all involved. “Wife Mother Liar” is a first person narrative which works well to reveal devious thoughts and motives, secrets and lies.

Some details of the storyline don’t flow quite as readily as other books by Ms. Watson, but the character development and premise of the story are excellent.

4.5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and true review.

Thank you so much for this ARC! I love reading Sue Watson (there needs to be more hype for her books!).

This was a very unique read. The first half of the book takes place in a secluded cabin and has a lot of tension and an impending sense of dread. Personally, it felt strange and any normal person would have left during this trip. Meeting the creepy neighbors keeps it interesting.

The second part of the book was way more fun to read. The pacing was stronger and kept me at the edge of my seat. I did not see the twist coming at all!

This was a quick read but not my favorite Sue Watson.

Jill and Wendy are newlyweds and neighbors, and soon become best friends. Jill struggles to bear children but finally has a son, Leo, into whom she pours her whole life, to the point of obsession and paranoia. Wendy has three children and tries to help Jill, but Jill pulls away and gradually the friendship falters. When Leo dies under mysterious circumstances while at the prom with Wendy's daughter, Jill is convinced that Wendy and her daughter know more than they are telling, and she is determined to make Wendy tell her the truth.

The premise of the book is intriguing and the writing is good, but the first half of the book is very repetitive. The pace picks up later and leads to a surprising conclusion. That said, I didn't particularly enjoy reading the book because the two main characters aren't very likeable. Though they claim to be best friends, the friendship has no substance and quickly falls apart amid dishonesty and distrust.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This starts off in an intriguing way, with Jill and Wendy meeting for a weekend at a secluded cottage in Wales to re connect. There has been a tragedy in the past that neither wants to mention and it becomes clear that Jill still hasn't got over it.
I found the parts where the 2 women are at the cottage were quite slow moving and dull with a lot of the same thoughts and feelings going around and between them. (too much). I also felt it was a bit clichéd (secluded cottage no streetlights, no neighbours except one with a telescope, creepy old man). It also grated on me, although I know it's personal .choice that the author used Venableses instead of Venables'.
I found myself skimming and skipping parts and struggled to stay interested til the end for that reason.

This kept me on the edge of my seat! I enjoyed the suspenseful nature of the story and trying to figure out who the true villain was from the two points of view.

I did not see those twists coming at all. This story was a perfect example of what happens when people in a small town become too familiar with each other.

Loved it!