The wealthy folk of Savannah, Georgia are pleasantly scandalised when the wealthiest of them, sixty-something recent widower William Radford IV, returns from London with a new wife. Keisha is young, gorgeous, vibrant, and black. Marcie, formerly the designated “beautiful young second wife“ of their circle, is less than delighted to have her position usurped by this dazzling newcomer.

Unpleasant rich men and their trophy wives is not necessarily my favourite milieu to read about, but nevertheless this story of sex, money, voodoo, and, possibly, murder, is strangely compelling. I’d call it a heady brew if it wasn’t such a cliche. Ok, it’s a heady brew, made up of some pretty awful characters.

It says something that I found the most sympathetic among them to be Keisha, an obvious gold-digger who marries a rich old man in the hope that he’ll soon die. One might even feel some sympathy for her not-so-beloved Billy, if he wasn’t quite so awful to the young wife he clearly believes he’s bought and paid for. But the mentally fragile Keisha seems vulnerable, surviving her days - and nights - only on pills and hope.

A memorably atmospheric read.

Whoop Whoop Queen Pinborough has a new book out!!!! WHOOP WHOOP!
Nothing cheers up this little bookworm, quite like seeing Sarah Pinborough has a new book out! Sarah is a talented write who has NEVER let me down, with her books which cover various genre’s. Before I read Dead To Her, my favourite novel of hers would probably have been a close tie between Before Her Eyes (obviously) and 13 Minutes. With 13 Minutes probably stealing the thunder!

HOWEVER, that was all set to change with the raunchy, steamy and addictive new release that is Dead To Her. This is Sarah Pinborough as we have never see her before….

The novel begins with a bunch of wealthy wives known amongst themselves as ‘the second wives club’. The woman aren’t necessarily likeable (but I think that is kind ofthe point). But if you’re anything like me and love a good super bitch or femme fatale then you will LOVE this title.

‘What else was there to do but bitch. judge and gossip about one another between charity events’

Marcie Maddox is a main protagonist and the second wife of Jason. They live in Savannah, Georgia and for all intents and purposes, live a life of high class, wealth and luxury. But nothing is as it seems….

‘A wife to be kept in the attic not out on display’

Introducing new ‘second’ wife to the group Keisha Radford. Keisha is the second wife of William Radford IV, who coincidentally is Jason’s boss. Which means despite how she feels internally Marcie must play nice. She must rub shoulders with the elite, shower affection and admiration upon Keisha.

‘She’s not one of us’

Keisha herself is an unusual addiction to the club. Keisha is black, British and feisty, Keisha doesn’t suffer fools (other than William) and she isn’t afraid to speak her mind. There is no overt racism, but there are subtle and passive aggressive acts thrown towards Keisha within the club. But Keisha must learn to hold her own against the gaggle of white privilege. Not only must she hold her own, but she has every intention of coming out on top. Metaphorically and figuratively speaking…

‘Keisha had a lot to learn about their set’

Amongst the club are wives Iris and Virginia. The addition of Keisha to the club sends Marcie wild with jealousy.
But has the other women also keeping a very close eye on her too.
‘It seemed Keisha was upsetting the apple cart’

It’s impossible to compare this novel to others in the genre. But it has shades of Penny Vincenzi, with layers of sex and psychological warfare. There may even be an added extra of what we have come to know and love the authors writing for. But that would be revealing far too much.

There will be feelings of inadequacy, worries that fake friends… fake friendship, secrets and jealousy galore.
‘She’d never seen him look at another woman that way. Never’

It also asks the age old question…
‘Why didn’t men fade like women?’
It also explores the dynamics of dating/remarriage in older adulthood. The emotional baggage of the women and potential fragile ego’s of the men.

‘She wondered if terrible people were drawn to terrible people’

Toxic marriages, pasts that haunt the characters and constant scheming comes to a head with an ultimate showdown. But will Keisha remain unscathed or will everyone get what they deserve. In the words of the author….
‘Thrill seekers seek thrills’

The novel deserves HUGE praise for its inclusivity and diversity. Too often psychologically thrillers or domestic noir novels ONLY portray white heterosexual females with perfect lives. The genre is saturated in perfect women, with perfect husbands, perfect children and one day something drastic shakes their lives. THIS IS NOT THAT CLICHE!

The Queen of the genre is back! Buy it, read it and LOVE it!
5* GENIUS

I really struggled to get into this book. It’s the old age tale of spoiled rich people having affairs. Unlikable characters j couldn’t continue reading sorry