The First Wife by Jill Childs

☆☆☆1/2
Kindle Edition, 265 pages
Expected publication: March 18th 2020 by Bookouture
About the Book:
When Sophie’s life falls apart, she accepts an invitation from a childhood friend, Caroline, to visit her family’s beautiful beach house, situated at the mouth of an isolated cove, miles from the nearest town. The silence is broken only by the rhythmic crash of the waves against the jagged black rocks below. But when Sophie arrives, she finds her friend much changed. Caroline – who used to be so warm and confident – is secretive and on-edge, spending long, unexplained hours away from her family. And then there’s Caroline’s little daughter Lucy – who stopped speaking soon after they moved in. Caroline assures Sophie that it’s only a phase, but Sophie thinks Lucy looks a little uncared for, a little afraid. Then one night Sophie is woken by a scream and runs to find Lucy, out of bed and at the attic window, staring in terror at the view below. When Sophie goes to look, her blood runs cold.

This was an interesting plot as it isn't so much who but what and why. The story was solid and entertaining but not groundbreaking enough to really wow me. Many of the twists were too predictable and I correctly figured out what would eventually become the biggest reveal shortly into the story. However, I was most disappointed with the ending. Also, there were several plot devices inserted to help boost the sense of mystery but some were orphaned, leaving behind unresolved plot holes. Others were just a bit too unbelievable.

Overall, it was an entertaining read but a bit generic. With the sheer number of stories out there about a woman who mysteriously goes missing prompting a close friend or relative to play gumshoe detective, it takes a very special story to set it apart from the pack. This was fun and entertaining, and I really liked the writing. I likely would have rated it the full four stars if not for the disappointing ending.

Thank you NetGalley, Jill Childs and Bookouture for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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