he Wife Between Us exposes the secret complexities of marriage and the dangerous truths we ignore in the name of love.
The Wife Between Us is an intriguing collaboration between first-time novelist Greer Hendricks and bestselling author, Sarah Pekkanen. It is a page-turning psychological thriller about the lies we tell one another, including our own selves.

The story is primarily narrated by Vanessa, the former wife of Richard, a wealthy entrepreneur with exacting requirements for all aspects of his life, including his marriage. Vanessa has failed to live up to his expectations and he has moved on. But she is unable to, obsessing about the woman who is soon to become her ex's new spouse. At first Vanessa appears unhinged and delusional, but as the plot unfolds, we begin to suspect all is not as it seems. Alternate chapters, told in third-person so as to distinguish them from Vanessa's narrative, focus on Nellie as she prepares to wed Richard.

There is plenty of suspense as readers try to puzzle out what really took place between Vanessa and Richard and how Nellie fits into this picture. At one point, Vanessa states: "In my marriage, there were three truths, three alternate and sometimes competing realities. There was Richard's truth. There was my truth. And there was the actual truth, which is always the most elusive to recognize." This is without doubt the core of the book—paring back layers of assumptions and appearances until one arrives at the elusive and ineffable reality.

Pekkanen and Hendricks write beautifully and create a marvelous sense of realism. Vanessa in particular is impressively drawn, an unreliable narrator who often understands she's not trustworthy. In one scene for example, she's peeling onions to make supper for her aunt, but the act conjures up a memory:

So there I was, in my exquisite kitchen, stocked with Wusthof knives and Calphalon pots and pans, cooking dinner for the new husband. I was happy, I think, but I wonder now if my memory is playing tricks on me. If it is giving me the gift of an illusion. We all layer them over our remembrances; the filters through which we want to see our lives. I wipe my eyes and gesture to the cutting board. "Just the onion." I can't tell if [my aunt] believes me.

Fans of Paula Hawkins' The Girl On the Train and Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl will recognize these authors' devices in The Wife Between Us. Like the former book, this novel is narrated by a woman in crisis who is undeniably an alcoholic, and like the latter, there are unexpected plot twists that change the reader's perception of what's actually going on. I remember getting to the end of Part 1, where the first surprise occurs, and thinking, "Wait… What?" and having to go back to re-read earlier pages. I admire authors who are able to pull something like this off without dropping the slightest clue that things aren't as they appear; Hendricks and Pekkanen succeed brilliantly. However, it felt as if they were overtly copying others' styles and consequently, the plot comes across as somewhat contrived.

That's not to say the book won't be a big hit; The Wife Between Us is entertaining if familiar, and its fast pace makes for a great light read. Its parallels to other successful novels will likely ensure its popularity as well. It's already been optioned for a movie by the same production company that brought The Girl on The Train to film.

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen is a gripping psychological thriller filled with twists and deception. At first glance, it appears to be a familiar story of a jealous ex-wife fixated on her replacement, but nothing is as it seems. With its multiple layers of unreliable narration, shifting perspectives, and shocking revelations, the novel keeps readers on edge until the very end. The writing is sharp, the suspense is expertly crafted, and the twists make for an addictive read. Perfect for fans of domestic thrillers like Gone Girl or The Girl on the Train.

Thank you for the opportunity to review - I've devoured everything this writing team has offered in the past and this was not a disappointment!

This just didn't work for me. The perfect man that was not perfect, the domestic violence that is excused because of his childhood. The affair where the woman is blamed but not the person who was actually married? There were a lot of problems and I honestly did not care about any of the people in it.

An intricately woven narrative delving into the complexities of marriage and betrayal. With a compelling plot and captivating characters, this novel will enthrall you, keeping you eagerly flipping through the pages, and leaving you in suspense until the final moments.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review the advance copy of this book.

I was finally able to sink my teeth into this one, and it did not disappoint! I really loved the slow build up between the two main characters. By the time we got to the big twist, my jaw was on the floor! Highly recommend for anyone wanting a quick read that will keep you on your toes!

This contemporary domestic thriller is set in New York City. Richard is handsome, loving, thoughtful, and very wealthy -- the perfect man. He has a former wife, or two, and a future wife. With lots of twists and turns the reader learns that nothing is what it seems, and no one is who they appear to be. The writing in this book is average, but the plot is propelled forward as the pages turn quickly. I really enjoyed this book overall. It was a challenge to keep track of where in time the narrative was leading me. A reread would give me a better analysis of the book because I found out more than once that my assumptions of who the characters were and who was speaking -- Vanessa/Nellie/former wife/future wife -- where upended and left me a little confused. The twists were clever, and I really enjoyed this book.

This book was so hyped up I couldn't wait to star.! I was not disappointed! This book had it all and more. I was completely hooked from start to finish. I will be on the lookout for more books from this author.

Great book, love this author and how they can keep my attention to the end! The plot is well developed, characters are believable and they obviously paid attention to detail to make the story worth your time to read.

Everyone said to assume nothing. They are right. You will think you know what’s going on, but things are not always as they seem. This is a great book. Thanks Netgalley

I absolutely loved, LOVED this book. The authors really kept me guessing all the way till the end and I always appreciate a good twist. I've read every other book they've co-written because of this one. The Wife Between Us remains my favorite.

I never saw that twist coming! I thought I had it all figured out, and then it came and blew me away!

While the twists weren't maybe a much as a surprise as initially billed to be I did get caught up in Vanessa's story. I just wish it had been a bit less predictable, I'm really over reading about abusive husbands in general.

This is a wonderful, twisty novel about assumptions. Assumptions we all make, the ones we make when we read a book. Throw all your assumptions out the window and read on!

Loved the plot twist. Love the unreliable narrator. My favorite Hendricks/Pekkanen book by far. I appreciate the short synopsis that gave next to nothing away.

Are you in need of a twist? An unreliable narrator? A book you can devour in hours? If so, this is the book for you!
This psychological thriller will have you turning the pages and making all the wrong assumptions.

Vanessa is a divorced woman who is using alcohol in an attempt to heal herself. She's barely keeping it together and on the edge of being sacked from her job.

Everyday is a struggle and when she finds out her ex-husband is getting married to the younger women he dumped her for she makes it her mission to make sure the marriage doesn't happen.

I loved this book! The twists and turns had me guessing at what was going on until the last page. I can not wait to pick up their next novel and jump in.

This was not my favorite by these authors. I didn't finish and didn't want to leave a review, which I should have done anyway, I apologize. I have read other books by these authors and enjoyed them.

This was one heck of a page-turner! I didn’t expect all the twists and turns. My heart was beating wildly at times. I sacrificed sleep because I couldn’t put it down! I love a good psychological thriller! Will definitely read more by these authors!

This was my first and favorite book by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanan book. It seems to be a little formulaic after more than one, but I couldn’t stop turning these pages and loved the experience of reading this one!