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The Wife Before: A Spellbinding Psychological Thriller with a Shocking Twist

Description:

Fans of Verity will be engrossed by this unpredictable novel of suspense as a new bride’s fairytale marriage becomes a prison of secrets. From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Perfect Ruin, this insidiously sexy, twist-filled psycho-drama is reminiscent of the classic gothic tale Rebecca.

“Sexy, scandalous, and striking, this twist-filled psychodrama, like a cosmo, is definitely worth the hype.” –
Readers Entertainment Magazine

BookBub’s Best Mysteries & Thrillers of 2022 | PopSugar’s Best New Thriller and Mystery Books of 2022 | SheReads Best Mystery Books Coming in 2022 | Word Wonder Most Anticipated Non-Speculative Releases For 2022 | Goodreads What to Read Next After Colleen Hoover

Samira Wilder has never had it easy, and when her latest lousy job goes south, things only promise to get harder. Until she unexpectedly meets a man who will change her life forever. Renowned pro golfer Roland Graham is wealthy, handsome, and caring, and Samira is dazzled. Best of all, he seems to understand her better than anyone ever has. And though their relationship moves a bit fast, when Roland proposes, Samira accepts. She even agrees to relocate to his secluded Colorado mansion. After all, there’s nothing to keep her in Miami, and the mansion clearly makes him happy. Soon, they are married amid a media firestorm, and Samira can't wait to make a fresh start—as the second Mrs. Graham . . .

Samira settles into the mansion, blissfully happy—until she discovers long-hidden journals belonging to Roland’s late wife, Melanie, who died in a tragic accident. With each dusty page, Samira comes to realize that perhaps it was no accident at all—that perhaps her perfect husband is not as perfect as she thought. Even as her trust in Roland begins to dwindle and a shadow falls over her marriage and she begins to fear for her own life, Samira is determined to uncover the truth of Melanie’s troubled last days. But even good wives should know that the truth is not always what it seems . . .

“Truly riveting." – Urban Reviews

“A shocking, sensual thriller.” —Tarryn Fisher,
New York Times bestselling author on The Perfect Ruin


Review

Praise for The Wife Before 

BookBub’s Best Mysteries & Thrillers of 2022 | PopSugar’s Best New Thriller and Mystery Books of 2022 | SheReads Best Mystery Books Coming in 2022 | Word Wonder Most Anticipated Non-Speculative Releases For 2022 | Goodreads What to Read Next After Colleen Hoover

“Williams does give both Melanie and Samira multiple dimensions; they're flawed but also strong and determined, and the twist at the end is a surprise.”
Kirkus Reviews

"Shanora Williams drew me in from the beginning and held me captive to the very end.  With all the scenarios that came to mind as the truth, the ending was truly riveting. This was my first book by Williams, but it will not be my last.  For lovers of a good suspenseful romance, check this one out." —Urban Reviews

“I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next with these messy lives and I was hooked, there was definitely some juicy material here making this an ideal summer thriller. Definitely recommended as a weekend binge read, this was really addictive!” —Novel Gossip

“Similar to the iconic cosmopolitan, Shanora Williams’ newest thriller starts off sweet, but quickly turns sour when a passionate marriage takes a deadly turn. Sexy, scandalous, and striking, this twist-filled psychodrama, like a cosmo, is definitely worth the hype.”—Readers Entertainment Magazine

Advance Praise for
The Wife Before from Booksellers & Librarians:
 
“Shanora Williams has a keen eye for the tension that can build in a relationship... that paired with strong characters and a carefully built plot make this a read that absolutely begs to be finished in one sitting (which I did!). And that ending—let's just say it comes to a very satisfying conclusion! Plus, I'm a sucker for anything that plays on REBECCA and I got wild REBECCA vibes here!”
—Becky LeJeune, Bookbar Denver (Denver, CO)
 
“This heart-pounding twisty thriller is an unexpected story of suspicion and redemption.” 
—Cari Dubiel, Twinsburg Public Library (Twinsburg, OH)
 
"An exceptional novel that you don't want to miss.”
—Laura Fowler, J.V. Fletcher Library (Westford, MA)
 
“Shanora Williams weaves an intricate tale of domestic suspense. Readers will be gripped right from the very first sentence. This a must-read for thriller fans.”
—Nicole McManus, My Sister's Books (Pawleys Island, SC)
 
Praise for The Perfect Ruin
 
“This twisty thriller takes readers into a high-class, sinfully privileged world populated with characters who will stop at nothing for what they want. Williams stretches out the tension as readers wonder what Lola did to hurt Ivy and whether their shared past will be revealed. With diabolical turns and surprises at every corner, it’s an ideal summer read.”
Booklist STARRED REVIEW
 
“A delicious and decadent cocktail of jealousy, passion, and revenge. I was hooked from the very first twist. You’ll love this addictive psychological thriller.” 
—Alessandra Torre, New York Times bestselling author of Every Last Secret
 
"Twisty and impossible to put down! With a cast of diverse characters, Williams brings to life a twisty thriller that'll leave you reeling long after you've read the last page. 10/10 recommend." 
—Claire Contreras, New York Times bestselling author
 
"You're going to pick a side, make no mistake. And then you won't put it down until you know the truth. A shocking, sensual thriller with sharp twists." 
—Tarryn Fisher, New York Times bestselling author of The Wives
 
“Williams is an award-winning author of romance and suspense novels; her tale of revenge will find an easy spot in fiction collections. Tailored for book clubs and for those who like to read about the sleazy side of rich elites.”
Library Journal
 
“In
The Perfect Ruin, author Shanora Williams serves up an ice-cold revenge thriller set in the glamorous and steamy hot city of Miami.” —Book Riot
 
“The glamour of Miami has a dark side in this twisting story where nothing is what it seems.” 
—WRAL-TV (NBC) North Carolina
 
“This is a great story of revenge and the lengths someone will go to get it, and how there are many layers to people’s lives. It’s a great mix of female friendship and thriller.”
Parkersburg News and Sentinel/Marietta Times
 
“This fast-paced and incredibly entertaining book is perfect for devouring by the poolside. Everyone in this book is terrible, but I mean that in the best way possible. Williams is so incredible at writing her characters that despite the horrible things they do, you still want to root for them.”
—Off the Shelf

About the Author

Shanora Williams is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty-five suspense and romance novels, including her traditional publishing debut, The Perfect Ruin, a selection of the Target Diverse Book Club. She began self-publishing in 2012 and first landed on the New York Times bestseller list when she was only nineteen years old. She lives with her husband and three sons near Charlotte, NC and can be found online at ShanoraWilliams.com.

Reviews:

Absolute Page Turner. Read in One Day.

J.T. · March 9, 2026

So I purchased this book a year and a half ago, lost it, then found it. I read itIn ONE day. This is my 1st book from this author. I absolutely love the writing style and the flow of the story. I was engaged the whole time. There were turns left and right and just when I thought I had it narrowed down to the killer, I was turned to another suspect. Roland is my type of man, but he definitely has a few flaws, Samira landed the jackpot with him, at least I think so. Absolutely loved this book and will read others from the author.

Great read

J.M. · December 14, 2025

The Wife Before is a fast-paced psychological thriller that kept me interested from the beginning. The story is easy to follow, the tension builds steadily, and there’s always a sense that something isn’t quite right. It’s one of those books that makes you want to keep reading just to see how everything unravels.The twist was unexpected and well done, even though parts of the plot felt familiar if you’ve read a lot of domestic thrillers. The characters were intriguing, though I wished some were developed a bit more.Overall, it’s an entertaining and suspenseful read with a solid twist. A great choice if you enjoy psychological thrillers and want something gripping but easy to get through.

Best Book ever

J.B. · February 1, 2026

This is one of the best books I have ever read. Truly what a story. Once I started it I could not put it down. The ending was jaw dropping as I never saw it coming.

Slow

a. · March 7, 2026

was really slow and the ending felt so random

4.5 star for story but poor printing!!

F. · February 17, 2026

Enjoyed the story!! Characters well developed and plot twists I didn’t see coming! I would think I knew something and get served a curve ball! Kept me engaged and entertained. Would have been a 5 star for me if there was better banter at times. Towards the end of the book pages were so light I could barely see and some pages had black streaks

The wife before book review

K. · March 11, 2026

This book was soo good! It was a good thriller, and I am so glad I wasn’t able to predict the ending. I look forward to reading more books by this author. The style of writing reminded me a lot of Frieda McFadden, if you are familiar with her books. I bought this book during Black History Month, to support a black author. But I think I just found a new favorite. I look forward to reading more books by this author

BUCKLE UP

T.D. · January 23, 2026

This story was sooo good!! This was my first read by Shanora. I like her writing style but most importantly twist after twist after twist. Her character development and story building is really detailed. Starting out, this was nothing like I thought. With all the context clues, so many times I thought I would figure out how this ended. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another twist. I devoured this read.

Yes!!! Loved this! Enjoyable, cozy domestic thriller

K. · February 10, 2025

I binged this like crazy and finished it in a day! Wow! Shanora Williams delivers a compelling and atmospheric domestic thriller, partially set in my home, Miami, and in Colorado, with “The Wife Before”, weaving suspense, romance, and mystery into an engaging read. From the start, I was drawn into Samira’s and Roland’s worlds, and Williams’ writing style kept me hooked with its smooth, immersive flow. She balances tension and emotion well, creating a story that is both gripping and easy to devour.The plot itself unfolds in an intriguing way, with well-paced twists and secrets that slowly unravel. The characters felt fully realized, and I appreciated the development of Samira’s journey, as well as the psychological depth woven into the story. The theme of uncovering dark truths in a seemingly perfect relationship was handled effectively, making for an addictive read.That said, I found the ending slightly predictable, which took away some of the final punch. While the buildup was strong, I anticipated the direction the story would take before the big reveal. Still, that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the novel as a whole—Williams crafted a thrilling ride with a compelling premise, layered relationships, and enough suspense to keep me turning the pages.Overall, “The Wife” Before is a well-written and enjoyable thriller, perfect for readers who love stories about secrets, obsession, and the dark side of love. Despite the somewhat foreseeable ending, the journey to get there was more than worth it.

Guilty until proven otherwise

M.C. · July 12, 2022

Gosh this book keeps you on the edge of your seat right up until the last sentence. Shanora really knows how to write an incredibly absorbing thriller, with some extremely dark hidden secrets. The characters are so believable, and the heroine so determined. Samaria a young lady finding it difficult to focus on the necessities of life is forced to stand on her own to feet and not rely on hand outs from her brother Kellan and her friend Sheila. Jell is soon to be a Dad, and his fiancée does not get on with his sister particularly well, and Sheila, wants space when her boyfriend moves into her flat. A chance encounter whilst Mira is waitressing has her meeting Roland a professional golfer with a sinister past. A widower, who although walking around freely fell deeply under suspicion when his first wife committed suicide, whilst under the influence of heroine. He was never proved guilty but everyone had opinion that reflected on his career. The two start a whirl wind romance and finish up married and moving into Roland’s home. The one he built with his first wife. Journals that Mira finds written by her hand, the first wife, cast shadows of doubt, and so the incredible journey of deceit, encounters and plots unfold. It is so well written that when the end does arrive the reader is most definitely wanting more. Cruel characters weave in and out. Those you thought you knew you didn’t, and those you thought were fair left you realising that perhaps you only saw what they wanted. The heroines sheer determination, continues throughout the book, and is basically the total backbone of this exciting novel. One not to miss. One to digest and ponder. Some topics are difficult to absorb, and some are quite macabre, but all essential for a phenomenal story. Well worth more than 5 stars. This ladies work always is. Totally excellent.

3.75

A.C. · August 2, 2024

Good book keeps you gripped from the beginning wanting to find out more and more. The twists and plots were easy to guess but overall it was a good read

disappointing

J. · August 31, 2024

Can’t imagine how this book is rated as high as it is. Terribly unlikeable characters, a predictable plot and childish writing. Forced myself to finish reading hoping to find some redeeming quality but unfortunately it just got worse.

The Wife Before: A Spellbinding Psychological Thriller with a Shocking Twist

Product ID: U1496731115
Condition: New

4.2

AED6856

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Type: Paperback
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

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While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

More from this brand

Similar items from “Women's Fiction”

The Wife Before: A Spellbinding Psychological Thriller with a Shocking Twist

Product ID: U1496731115
Condition: New

4.2

The Wife Before: A Spellbinding Psychological Thriller with a Shocking Twist-0
Type: Paperback

AED6856

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

Fans of Verity will be engrossed by this unpredictable novel of suspense as a new bride’s fairytale marriage becomes a prison of secrets. From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Perfect Ruin, this insidiously sexy, twist-filled psycho-drama is reminiscent of the classic gothic tale Rebecca.

“Sexy, scandalous, and striking, this twist-filled psychodrama, like a cosmo, is definitely worth the hype.” –
Readers Entertainment Magazine

BookBub’s Best Mysteries & Thrillers of 2022 | PopSugar’s Best New Thriller and Mystery Books of 2022 | SheReads Best Mystery Books Coming in 2022 | Word Wonder Most Anticipated Non-Speculative Releases For 2022 | Goodreads What to Read Next After Colleen Hoover

Samira Wilder has never had it easy, and when her latest lousy job goes south, things only promise to get harder. Until she unexpectedly meets a man who will change her life forever. Renowned pro golfer Roland Graham is wealthy, handsome, and caring, and Samira is dazzled. Best of all, he seems to understand her better than anyone ever has. And though their relationship moves a bit fast, when Roland proposes, Samira accepts. She even agrees to relocate to his secluded Colorado mansion. After all, there’s nothing to keep her in Miami, and the mansion clearly makes him happy. Soon, they are married amid a media firestorm, and Samira can't wait to make a fresh start—as the second Mrs. Graham . . .

Samira settles into the mansion, blissfully happy—until she discovers long-hidden journals belonging to Roland’s late wife, Melanie, who died in a tragic accident. With each dusty page, Samira comes to realize that perhaps it was no accident at all—that perhaps her perfect husband is not as perfect as she thought. Even as her trust in Roland begins to dwindle and a shadow falls over her marriage and she begins to fear for her own life, Samira is determined to uncover the truth of Melanie’s troubled last days. But even good wives should know that the truth is not always what it seems . . .

“Truly riveting." – Urban Reviews

“A shocking, sensual thriller.” —Tarryn Fisher,
New York Times bestselling author on The Perfect Ruin


Review

Praise for The Wife Before 

BookBub’s Best Mysteries & Thrillers of 2022 | PopSugar’s Best New Thriller and Mystery Books of 2022 | SheReads Best Mystery Books Coming in 2022 | Word Wonder Most Anticipated Non-Speculative Releases For 2022 | Goodreads What to Read Next After Colleen Hoover

“Williams does give both Melanie and Samira multiple dimensions; they're flawed but also strong and determined, and the twist at the end is a surprise.”
Kirkus Reviews

"Shanora Williams drew me in from the beginning and held me captive to the very end.  With all the scenarios that came to mind as the truth, the ending was truly riveting. This was my first book by Williams, but it will not be my last.  For lovers of a good suspenseful romance, check this one out." —Urban Reviews

“I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next with these messy lives and I was hooked, there was definitely some juicy material here making this an ideal summer thriller. Definitely recommended as a weekend binge read, this was really addictive!” —Novel Gossip

“Similar to the iconic cosmopolitan, Shanora Williams’ newest thriller starts off sweet, but quickly turns sour when a passionate marriage takes a deadly turn. Sexy, scandalous, and striking, this twist-filled psychodrama, like a cosmo, is definitely worth the hype.”—Readers Entertainment Magazine

Advance Praise for
The Wife Before from Booksellers & Librarians:
 
“Shanora Williams has a keen eye for the tension that can build in a relationship... that paired with strong characters and a carefully built plot make this a read that absolutely begs to be finished in one sitting (which I did!). And that ending—let's just say it comes to a very satisfying conclusion! Plus, I'm a sucker for anything that plays on REBECCA and I got wild REBECCA vibes here!”
—Becky LeJeune, Bookbar Denver (Denver, CO)
 
“This heart-pounding twisty thriller is an unexpected story of suspicion and redemption.” 
—Cari Dubiel, Twinsburg Public Library (Twinsburg, OH)
 
"An exceptional novel that you don't want to miss.”
—Laura Fowler, J.V. Fletcher Library (Westford, MA)
 
“Shanora Williams weaves an intricate tale of domestic suspense. Readers will be gripped right from the very first sentence. This a must-read for thriller fans.”
—Nicole McManus, My Sister's Books (Pawleys Island, SC)
 
Praise for The Perfect Ruin
 
“This twisty thriller takes readers into a high-class, sinfully privileged world populated with characters who will stop at nothing for what they want. Williams stretches out the tension as readers wonder what Lola did to hurt Ivy and whether their shared past will be revealed. With diabolical turns and surprises at every corner, it’s an ideal summer read.”
Booklist STARRED REVIEW
 
“A delicious and decadent cocktail of jealousy, passion, and revenge. I was hooked from the very first twist. You’ll love this addictive psychological thriller.” 
—Alessandra Torre, New York Times bestselling author of Every Last Secret
 
"Twisty and impossible to put down! With a cast of diverse characters, Williams brings to life a twisty thriller that'll leave you reeling long after you've read the last page. 10/10 recommend." 
—Claire Contreras, New York Times bestselling author
 
"You're going to pick a side, make no mistake. And then you won't put it down until you know the truth. A shocking, sensual thriller with sharp twists." 
—Tarryn Fisher, New York Times bestselling author of The Wives
 
“Williams is an award-winning author of romance and suspense novels; her tale of revenge will find an easy spot in fiction collections. Tailored for book clubs and for those who like to read about the sleazy side of rich elites.”
Library Journal
 
“In
The Perfect Ruin, author Shanora Williams serves up an ice-cold revenge thriller set in the glamorous and steamy hot city of Miami.” —Book Riot
 
“The glamour of Miami has a dark side in this twisting story where nothing is what it seems.” 
—WRAL-TV (NBC) North Carolina
 
“This is a great story of revenge and the lengths someone will go to get it, and how there are many layers to people’s lives. It’s a great mix of female friendship and thriller.”
Parkersburg News and Sentinel/Marietta Times
 
“This fast-paced and incredibly entertaining book is perfect for devouring by the poolside. Everyone in this book is terrible, but I mean that in the best way possible. Williams is so incredible at writing her characters that despite the horrible things they do, you still want to root for them.”
—Off the Shelf

About the Author

Shanora Williams is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty-five suspense and romance novels, including her traditional publishing debut, The Perfect Ruin, a selection of the Target Diverse Book Club. She began self-publishing in 2012 and first landed on the New York Times bestseller list when she was only nineteen years old. She lives with her husband and three sons near Charlotte, NC and can be found online at ShanoraWilliams.com.

Reviews:

Absolute Page Turner. Read in One Day.

J.T. · March 9, 2026

So I purchased this book a year and a half ago, lost it, then found it. I read itIn ONE day. This is my 1st book from this author. I absolutely love the writing style and the flow of the story. I was engaged the whole time. There were turns left and right and just when I thought I had it narrowed down to the killer, I was turned to another suspect. Roland is my type of man, but he definitely has a few flaws, Samira landed the jackpot with him, at least I think so. Absolutely loved this book and will read others from the author.

Great read

J.M. · December 14, 2025

The Wife Before is a fast-paced psychological thriller that kept me interested from the beginning. The story is easy to follow, the tension builds steadily, and there’s always a sense that something isn’t quite right. It’s one of those books that makes you want to keep reading just to see how everything unravels.The twist was unexpected and well done, even though parts of the plot felt familiar if you’ve read a lot of domestic thrillers. The characters were intriguing, though I wished some were developed a bit more.Overall, it’s an entertaining and suspenseful read with a solid twist. A great choice if you enjoy psychological thrillers and want something gripping but easy to get through.

Best Book ever

J.B. · February 1, 2026

This is one of the best books I have ever read. Truly what a story. Once I started it I could not put it down. The ending was jaw dropping as I never saw it coming.

Slow

a. · March 7, 2026

was really slow and the ending felt so random

4.5 star for story but poor printing!!

F. · February 17, 2026

Enjoyed the story!! Characters well developed and plot twists I didn’t see coming! I would think I knew something and get served a curve ball! Kept me engaged and entertained. Would have been a 5 star for me if there was better banter at times. Towards the end of the book pages were so light I could barely see and some pages had black streaks

The wife before book review

K. · March 11, 2026

This book was soo good! It was a good thriller, and I am so glad I wasn’t able to predict the ending. I look forward to reading more books by this author. The style of writing reminded me a lot of Frieda McFadden, if you are familiar with her books. I bought this book during Black History Month, to support a black author. But I think I just found a new favorite. I look forward to reading more books by this author

BUCKLE UP

T.D. · January 23, 2026

This story was sooo good!! This was my first read by Shanora. I like her writing style but most importantly twist after twist after twist. Her character development and story building is really detailed. Starting out, this was nothing like I thought. With all the context clues, so many times I thought I would figure out how this ended. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another twist. I devoured this read.

Yes!!! Loved this! Enjoyable, cozy domestic thriller

K. · February 10, 2025

I binged this like crazy and finished it in a day! Wow! Shanora Williams delivers a compelling and atmospheric domestic thriller, partially set in my home, Miami, and in Colorado, with “The Wife Before”, weaving suspense, romance, and mystery into an engaging read. From the start, I was drawn into Samira’s and Roland’s worlds, and Williams’ writing style kept me hooked with its smooth, immersive flow. She balances tension and emotion well, creating a story that is both gripping and easy to devour.The plot itself unfolds in an intriguing way, with well-paced twists and secrets that slowly unravel. The characters felt fully realized, and I appreciated the development of Samira’s journey, as well as the psychological depth woven into the story. The theme of uncovering dark truths in a seemingly perfect relationship was handled effectively, making for an addictive read.That said, I found the ending slightly predictable, which took away some of the final punch. While the buildup was strong, I anticipated the direction the story would take before the big reveal. Still, that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the novel as a whole—Williams crafted a thrilling ride with a compelling premise, layered relationships, and enough suspense to keep me turning the pages.Overall, “The Wife” Before is a well-written and enjoyable thriller, perfect for readers who love stories about secrets, obsession, and the dark side of love. Despite the somewhat foreseeable ending, the journey to get there was more than worth it.

Guilty until proven otherwise

M.C. · July 12, 2022

Gosh this book keeps you on the edge of your seat right up until the last sentence. Shanora really knows how to write an incredibly absorbing thriller, with some extremely dark hidden secrets. The characters are so believable, and the heroine so determined. Samaria a young lady finding it difficult to focus on the necessities of life is forced to stand on her own to feet and not rely on hand outs from her brother Kellan and her friend Sheila. Jell is soon to be a Dad, and his fiancée does not get on with his sister particularly well, and Sheila, wants space when her boyfriend moves into her flat. A chance encounter whilst Mira is waitressing has her meeting Roland a professional golfer with a sinister past. A widower, who although walking around freely fell deeply under suspicion when his first wife committed suicide, whilst under the influence of heroine. He was never proved guilty but everyone had opinion that reflected on his career. The two start a whirl wind romance and finish up married and moving into Roland’s home. The one he built with his first wife. Journals that Mira finds written by her hand, the first wife, cast shadows of doubt, and so the incredible journey of deceit, encounters and plots unfold. It is so well written that when the end does arrive the reader is most definitely wanting more. Cruel characters weave in and out. Those you thought you knew you didn’t, and those you thought were fair left you realising that perhaps you only saw what they wanted. The heroines sheer determination, continues throughout the book, and is basically the total backbone of this exciting novel. One not to miss. One to digest and ponder. Some topics are difficult to absorb, and some are quite macabre, but all essential for a phenomenal story. Well worth more than 5 stars. This ladies work always is. Totally excellent.

3.75

A.C. · August 2, 2024

Good book keeps you gripped from the beginning wanting to find out more and more. The twists and plots were easy to guess but overall it was a good read

disappointing

J. · August 31, 2024

Can’t imagine how this book is rated as high as it is. Terribly unlikeable characters, a predictable plot and childish writing. Forced myself to finish reading hoping to find some redeeming quality but unfortunately it just got worse.

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