Main characters
Soriah
Craig

Storyline
Craig Lane is obsessed with  Soriah, and he believes he could make Soriah love him back if he just tried harder. However, after rejection comes a horrifying nightmare.

Years later, Soriah is given news, which terrifies yet informing her that her past is being released from prison.

The next question is, is she safe?

Thoughts
This thriller at the beginning had me gripped. However, I slowly started to lose interest as the plots and twists fell flat or were predicable for me.

This book has some heavy triggers, so please do check them before reading.

Awesome book!! Great author! Will be looking for more!!!!!!!!!!! Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Before I even get into my review, I feel I need to mention that there could potentially be trigger warnings for this one that are not mentioned. Those warnings include stalking, forced imprisonment, rape, and the mention of abortion.

The synopsis of this one caught my attention immediately, and after seeing the early praise for this story with people calling it "complex, dark and disturbing" and "unputdownable with a tense, fast-paced & terrifying plot", I was beyond excited to read it.

Sadly, what I got was an overly predictable story with characters who were not likable in the least (some for less obvious reasons than others) that I could (and did) easily put down and forget about for extended periods of time. This was truly disappointing because this novel had such amazing potential (take for example my favorite line of the novel in which Soriah says "it's not the dark that worries me, but the monsters that hide in its shadows"). It's obvious this author knows how to write, it was just some of the creative choices they made seemed flawed.

For example (and to give credit where it is due), there was one instance where I was caught a bit off-guard because I thought the author was going one way with the story, but instead they decided to go a completely different route. However, I felt like that reveal came much too soon because it instantly not only put me on my guard, but made me wonder how Soriah didn't see it herself. I wish the author would have held off on this plot point just a little bit longer (or maybe not included it at all as a different point in the story as to not make it a huge red flag for the reader when it happened, but that would have allowed Soriah to know the truth).

Looking past the plot to the characters, as I mentioned prior, none of the main ones were very likable. Craig and Gilly for obvious reasons, but Soriah and her husband Marcus for less obvious reasons (at least at first). Marcus immediately comes across as a user (and a shady one at that). Seriously? You have to go away for a weekend and stay at a hotel in order to attend an awards ceremony for your job, the same job that says due to budget cuts your spouse can't attend? Could he be any more obvious? Also, I'm still confused as to whether or not there was an actual awards presentation as there was no mention of him bringing one back with him when he came back, only more instances of him being an uncaring git towards his wife. And then we have Soriah, who was just ..... a doormat. For her entire life. She didn't stand up to Craig. She didn't stand up to Gilly. She should have reported the admin from her school when things first began to escalate, but she didn't. Then later on... she didn't stand up to her husband. For heavens sake, she didn't even stand up to her parents at times. I really would have hoped that after everything that had happened to her when she was eighteen, that she would have learned how to stand on her own two feet and be assertive.

Despite these things however, I do feel like there will be other readers who will enjoy this one a lot more than I did. I would give this author another chance to see if maybe it was just this particular story that didn't jive with me.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

A fast paced read.
Some good twists but not the best from this author.in my opinion.
A decent thriller.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy.

My secret past is coming to get me.
Pregnant Soriah is happy with her life married to her lovely husband Marcus, but she holds secrets going back and it won't be left there.
The quiet wife is a story jumping out to be told, as the author takes us back and forth for readers to find the truth.
Chilling gripping chapters that sends shivers, a well written book with plenty of mind blowing chapters.
Sets out to be just a few chapters that you find yourself wanting to read the next as it can't be left alone.
I loved it.

This was one of the best reads I have read in awhile! I will be looking for more reads from this author. Soriah is definetly a quiet wife. No matter what life throws at her she remains quiet. The book flips between past and present so you do not have to guess what happened. I thougt I had the book figured out but I was very wrong. I was actually shocked at some points. You will not regret buying and reading this book!

Another twisty story from Diane Saxon and while it became somewhat obvious where the story was going, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed it. There are a few nasty characters but they add to the plot.

This is the first book of 2025 I have read and the bar has been set VERY high!! This psychological thriller is ridiculously hard to put down! The plot is centred around Soriah, a woman in her late 30s, who is married to Marcus, and struggling to conceive a much longed for baby. We learn early on that Soriah was the target of the unwanted advances of a peer at college. The story plays out in 2 distinct timelines, revealing the events at college 20 years previously, and current events, with Soriah receiving some unwanted communications, leading her to believe someone is threatening her. The intersection of these 2 timelines is superb - smoke and mirrors at their finest!!

A gripping read, fantastic plot and talented writing - this book is perfect!!

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.

Wow what an amazing, unputdownable thriller, I found this book so hard to put down, I loved the book so much I will definitely be recommending this one.

Trigger Warning: SA, DV, and other traumas.

Wow. What a whirlwind of emotions as I finished this book. Part of me cannot believe how much trauma the main character, Soriah, endured in this book. The other part of me wonders how the heck the author thought up this story. Twister, dark, but very cleverly written.

I loved the dual time line in telling this story. It was very smoothly written and helped the story progress. It was also told from multiple points of views between the dual time lines. This books definitely touches on seem very sick, dark and twisted concepts. Sexual assault, stalking, murder, domestic violence, kidnap, and multiple avenues of drama. If you are triggered by those things, this book probably isn’t for you because it goes into this way in depth.

The plot was good, the climax was good, the ending was good (but predictable). I like that Soriah finds her strength eventually and overcomes what she’s been faced with.

I can’t say much else without my giving the book away or mentioning spoilers.

Definitely worth a read and is 10/10 in the thriller/suspense category.

When you pick up a Diane Saxon novel you know you're in for a treat. She doesn't shy away from difficult subjects and I feel writes empathetically about her characters. This book centres of Soriah, both present day and flashbacks to 20 years previously while she was in college.
In college we meet her friend Gilly and Craig, a wannabee boyfriend, who collude together to create a relationship between Soriah and Craig. This has a disastrous outcome and effects the rest of Soriah's life.
Added to this we have a secret POV, someone who is watching Soriahs every move.
This novel is tense, most of the characters are likeable, but of course it wouldn't be a thriller if there weren't some nasty characters too. And some of those are definitely who you wouldn't expect.
To date this is my favourite Diane Saxon novel. I couldn't put it down

The Quiet Wife was an absolute page-turner. I found it incredibly difficult to put down as the story kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating what would happen next. The author masterfully weaves tension and intrigue throughout, making it a truly captivating read. Highly recommend!.

I was recently given the opportunity to review The Quiet Wife, and managed to fly through it in two sittings. (Thanks Net Galley!) The book takes place in two timelines, but with the same characters. I thought that might get confusing, but each chapter is very clearly labelled so we always know where we are. The main character is written as both a teenager and as an adult, and it's not hard to tell them apart. Her thoughts and feelings really sound youthful in those younger chapters. If you like books with a ton of action and drama, this one should satisfy. It is one thing after another! Bonus points for the adorable kitty.

Overall I really enjoyed the book. It kept my attention and had great twists! I recommend this to anyone who enjoys thrillers.

I enjoyed this book- it was a quick read for me and did keep me guessing. I was actually surprised with a few of the turns it took. Ultimately, I really liked the themes of strength and family in the book.

Overall I really liked this book! It kept my attention from the beginning. There were a lot of moving parts and I did like the story telling that took place at different times (past and present). I did guess the main ending but there was one twist I didn’t see coming!

Soriah, has a troubled past Twenty years ago she was kidnapped and raped. and now her kidnapper is being released from prison,

She is experiencing some odd events in her life but it's her very own secret that haunts her the most.
Past and present collide and what happens next is both gripping and unexpected.

This book is amazing to read, I did not and could not guess what was going to happen next and I was gripped.
As the story unfolded and I knew more about Soriah I was amazed that her secret did not reveal itself sooner.

a fab read

Soriah is married and plagued with issues from her past & strange things start happening that have forced her to face it. I haven’t read a decent thriller in a while, but this one was pretty good..
Thanks Netgalley for the copy!

"The Quiet Wife" by Diane Saxon is a chilling and suspenseful psychological thriller that will leave you breathless. Jodi, the protagonist, is trapped in a suffocating marriage with a controlling and emotionally abusive husband.

**What Makes It Stand Out:**

* **Atmospheric Tension:** Saxon masterfully builds suspense, creating an atmosphere of dread and unease that permeates every page. The pacing is impeccable, with the tension steadily increasing until it reaches a fever pitch.
* **Compelling Protagonist:** Jodi is a complex and sympathetic character. Her internal struggles are realistically portrayed, making her both relatable and unforgettable. The reader truly feels her fear, her desperation, and her growing determination to break free.
* **Unpredictable Twists:** The plot takes several unexpected turns, keeping the reader constantly guessing. Just when you think you've figured things out, Saxon throws in another curveball, leaving you reeling.

**Minor Criticisms:**

* **Some Predictability:** While the overall plot is unpredictable, some of the smaller twists and turns might be anticipated by seasoned thriller readers.

**Overall:**

"The Quiet Wife" is a captivating and thought-provoking read. It's a powerful exploration of the complexities of domestic abuse, highlighting the insidious nature of emotional manipulation and the courage it takes to break free.

**Recommendation:**

I highly recommend this book to fans of psychological thrillers, particularly those who enjoy stories with strong female protagonists and a focus on suspense and suspense.

The Quiet Wife by Diane Saxon delivers a dark and suspenseful tale about trauma, resilience, and the complexities of survival. Told through alternating timelines spanning 20 years, the story follows Soriah, a woman haunted by the events of her past. Two decades ago, she endured a horrific ordeal at the hands of an obsessed fellow student, and now, as her assailant is released from prison, the life she’s carefully built begins to unravel.

The premise is gripping, and Saxon weaves an unsettling atmosphere that grips you from the start. The alternating timelines create an effective narrative structure, slowly revealing the depth of Soriah’s pain and the lengths she’s gone to in order to shield herself from her past. Themes of abuse, obsession, and the enduring effects of trauma are explored with unflinching honesty, making this book a challenging but thought-provoking read.

Soriah is a layered protagonist whose choices reflect the messy and non-linear nature of healing. While some of her decisions might leave readers puzzled or frustrated, they feel authentic to her experience as a trauma survivor. That said, her naivety and insistence on secrecy regarding her past sometimes felt contrived, especially as these choices repeatedly led to further danger.

The supporting cast adds complexity to the narrative, though not all relationships are equally developed. Soriah’s husband, Marcus, comes across as unsympathetic and one-dimensional, making it difficult to understand the dynamics of their marriage or why Soriah remains in the relationship. Conversely, Soriah’s mother stands out as a grounding presence, offering moments of wisdom and emotional clarity amidst the tension.

While The Quiet Wife delivers plenty of twists and turns, not all of them land as intended. The major plot twist is foreshadowed early, which may leave seasoned thriller readers underwhelmed. The suspense leading up to the reveal is palpable, but the payoff lacks the emotional punch it seems to aim for. Additionally, some threads remain unresolved by the end, leaving questions about certain characters’ motivations and the aftermath of key events.

Despite these shortcomings, the book is a fast-paced and compelling read. Saxon’s prose is engaging, and the suspense keeps the pages turning. While it doesn’t break new ground in the psychological thriller genre, The Quiet Wife is a solid choice for fans of dark, character-driven stories that explore the long shadows cast by trauma.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.