5.0 out of 5 stars a really good read

C.R.K. · June 8, 2025

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4.0 out of 5 stars Held my interest

W.S. · June 6, 2025

I liked the story in a story. There were lots of serious themes covered like child abuse, domestic abuse and drug abuse.More character development was needed with Shamira and Roland. I found her to be shallow with no work ethic. So why so doggedly pursuing the true killer especially when she blew off reading about the very famous golfer she was dating Roland Graham. If you're living in a house with potential killers, wouldn't you re-key the lock on the shed or store / copy the journals?Why did Roland roll over for seemly everybody?Good story just a little jumbled at the end. So who was the real killer at the end? Perfect! Yes. read this one

5.0 out of 5 stars omg

M.w. · June 11, 2025

All I can say is OMG , this is my first read by this author and I was left with my mouth left open.

3.0 out of 5 stars Predictable and a bit cheesy.

D. · May 20, 2025

I wanted to like this book. I found myself skipping paragraphs to get to the point of the story line, which was OK, but I did not care for her writing style. It was somewhat predictable and a little boring.

4.0 out of 5 stars Just needs a little more clarity!

C. · May 1, 2025

So what was the point of the Prologue? How did it relate to this story? I found myself going back the beginning to see if I missed something? Who was after Melanie in the beginning? I felt that was missing and that’s why I kept reading and reading finishing this book in a day; but we never got around to that part of the story again.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!

M. · June 9, 2025

This was my first time reading anything by this author. It was a great storyline and I will definitely be looking forward to reading more of her work.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Wife Before

M. · June 13, 2025

This was a twist, but it was a good book to read. Please, get this book and read it while relaxing.

4.0 out of 5 stars 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

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } 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.