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Laura Elliot
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The Wife Before Me: A twisty, gripping psychological thriller Kindle Edition

by Laura Elliot (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 6,029 ratings
See all formats and editions
One evening as the sun is setting, Amelia Madison’s car slides into the sea off Mason’s Pier. Her body is never found.

Two years later, Elena Langdon meets Nicholas Madison. She is grieving the loss of her mother, he is grieving for his wife. Together they can help each other.

Now Elena is living with Nicholas. But Elena doesn’t really know him. She doesn’t know what he is capable of.

And she doesn’t know what really happened to Amelia.

Until the day she discovers the torn page of a letter and the words she reads chill her to the bone.

Elena must find the person who wrote these letters if she is to save herself.

A totally breathtaking page-turner about the darker side of love and what really goes on behind closed doors. This book will have you gripped from the very first page until the dramatic final twist.

Read what everyone is saying about The Wife Before Me:

Wow! What a novel! If you read only one suspense book this year, make sure it’s The Wife Before Me. Electrifying, tautly written, and heart-stopping… It was so real, so powerful, I had to put it down a few times and walk away to let my emotions settle.’ NetGalley Reviewer

‘I couldn't put this book down, it really is that good… I honestly can't rate this book highly enough. 5 stars just isn't enough. Book of the year for me! Don't miss this one.’ NetGalley Reviewer

‘Laura Elliot has done it again - another twisty suspenseful thriller! Keeps you on the edge of your seat with many turns and surprises. The Wife Before Me is a pulse-pounding thrill ride from beginning to end!’ NetGalley Reviewer

‘Wow! I read multiple books at once and had a hard time swapping to the others when I started this one! Starts with a bang and ends with one too!’ NetGalley Reviewer

‘To say I thoroughly enjoyed it is an understatement. If you are looking for a psychological thriller that will get you thinking and guessing all the way through the book, this one is for you. I love Laura's writing and I have to say she excelled herself with this one. It will bring you on a rollercoaster of emotions and right up to the end you can't call it.’ NetGalley Reviewer

‘This was a nail-biting, gripping, too-close-for comfort compelling read that I could not put down. This book is an absolute winner.’ Goodreads Reviewer

‘Built up in intensity with brilliantly described scenes that left me racing through the book to find out how the story would finish.’ NetGalley Reviewer

‘A gripping thriller which will have you reading way past your bedtime! I enjoyed the book and the twisting plot…An engrossing thriller I thoroughly enjoyed.’ Escape With A Book, 5 stars

‘WOW! One of the best reads of the year! I was entertained throughout the entire book. The characters come to life and are brilliantly portrayed. Excellent writing - I truly loved this book! A definite MUST READ! NetGalley Reviewer
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  1. Print length
    385 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    August 24, 2018
  4. File size
    1.1 MB
  5. Page Flip
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  6. Word Wise
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Intriguing from start to finish, with meaty characters and unrelenting suspense."―Booklist on Guilty

About the Author

Laura Elliot was born in Dublin, Ireland. She lives in Malahide, a picturesque, coastal town on the north side of Dublin.
Laura Elliot's novels include The Wife Before Me, The Thorn Girl, Sleep Sister, Stolen Child, The Prodigal Sister, Fragile Lies and The Betrayal.Writing as June Considine, she has twelve books for children and young adults. Her short stories have appeared in a number of teenage anthologies and have also been broadcast on the radio. She has also worked as a journalist and magazine editor.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07DNG3SMP
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bookouture (August 24, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 24, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.1 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 385 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 6,029 ratings

About the author

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Laura Elliot

Laura Elliot

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Laura Elliot lives in Malahide, a picturesque, coastal village in Dublin, Ireland. She enjoys writing psychological thrillers and, to date, she has written eleven novels: The Thorn Girl, The Wife Before Me, Guilty, Sleep Sister, The Betrayal, Fragile Lies, Stolen Child ( also titled On Your Doorstep) The Prodigal Sister (also titled The Lost Sister) The Silent House, After The Wedding and her latest novel, The Marriage Retreat.

In the UK she is published by Bookouture, Sphere and Avon - and by Grand Central Publishing in the US. Her novels have also been widely translated.

AKA June Considine, she has written twelve books for children and young adults. In her earlier career, she worked as a journalist and magazine editor.

For more details check http://lauraelliotauthor.com/

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
6,029 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and engrossing. They appreciate the suspenseful plot with many twists and turns. The writing quality is praised as excellent and well-crafted. Readers praise the realistic portrayal of the characters. Many find the story hard to put down and difficult to put down after the first 50 pages. Opinions differ on the pace, with some finding it quick and enjoyable, while others feel it starts out slow.

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ReadabilitySuspenseWriting qualityCharacter developmentDifficulty to put downPaceAbuseDifficulty to follow
254 customers mention "Readability"233 positive21 negative

Customers find the book an engaging read with a good storyline. They describe it as an exciting and intense story that draws them into an enchanted tale. The psychology is accurate, and the words are touching. However, some readers feel the story is sad, as too many women are victims of domestic abuse.

"This was intense, and I liked it very much. In fact, this was one of the best thriller-type books I’ve ever read...." Read more

"...might be termed unexplainable forces made this story different and interesting." Read more

"...The characters are engaging and the ending was a wow! This is a very good book." Read more

"...An enjoyable read although the subject matter is an uncomfortable one, it helped me to see "her" side of the issue and "live it" through her...." Read more

229 customers mention "Suspense"182 positive47 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful plot and intricate characters. They find the book thrilling with many twists and turns. The story is described as an exciting and dark mystery that takes a different direction from typical psychological thrillers.

"...In fact, this was one of the best thriller-type books I’ve ever read. I felt the thump in my heart as things tensed up...." Read more

"This was an exciting story with dark secrets. The characters are engaging and the ending was a wow! This is a very good book." Read more

"...and the ending was well worth it. I look forward to reading another story by Laura Elliot." Read more

"...But then the story took off in a different direction and made it an interesting and rewarding book to read...." Read more

89 customers mention "Writing quality"69 positive20 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find the story engaging, with well-described characters and an easy read that keeps them guessing until the end. The author's writing style is touching and draws them into the story.

"...I think the physical abuse part seemed to be written very well, although I have not experienced it myself...." Read more

"...Well written." Read more

"...Laura Elliot’s writing was evocative & moving. The plot wasn’t an unusual one, but the writing & character development were unique & mesmerising...." Read more

"...The domestic violence scenes were too moany and too detailed...." Read more

38 customers mention "Character development"29 positive9 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters with realistic portrayals. The story makes them sad but hopeful for their revenge.

"This was an exciting story with dark secrets. The characters are engaging and the ending was a wow! This is a very good book." Read more

"The characters were well developed (although not likeable at all times) and I felt a connection with them throughout the book...." Read more

"...The plot wasn’t an unusual one, but the writing & character development were unique & mesmerising. I enjoyed every word & every page...." Read more

"Couldnt put it down. Alot of characters, sometimes their relationship and connection a bit confusing. End dragged but worth a read." Read more

14 customers mention "Difficulty to put down"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and easy to read. They appreciate the gripping story with unexpected twists and turns. While it requires full attention, readers find it an enjoyable quick read that doesn't require complete focus.

"I love this book. I found it hard to put down and I loved the pace. I could hardly wait to get to the end to find out what really happened...." Read more

"This one kept me reading - was hard to put down! Lots of twists and turns and suspense. Makes me want to read another." Read more

"...It is a fast read, easy. A good Sunday afternoon, rainy day, airplane read." Read more

"Oh my, this book was amazing. It was easy to follow without too many characters to keep straight...." Read more

35 customers mention "Pace"18 positive17 negative

Customers have different views on the book's pace. Some enjoyed it and found it a quick read after the first 50 pages, with a slow buildup. Others felt it started out slow and moved too fast in some areas, making it difficult to get through the book.

"...Plot was exciting and intriguing and moved along at a good pace...." Read more

"...At times I found it difficult to continue reading, because Nicholas’s brutality & psychotic actions really pissed me off...." Read more

"I love this book. I found it hard to put down and I loved the pace. I could hardly wait to get to the end to find out what really happened...." Read more

"...with a mystical story line, it was dead in some areas, and moved too fast in others...." Read more

22 customers mention "Abuse"8 positive14 negative

Customers have different views on the book's portrayal of abuse. Some found it insightful and engaging, with a compelling narrative that kept them hooked until the end. Others felt it was overly focused on spousal abuse and implausible.

"...writes very well so it is unfortunate that she seems overly focused on spousal abuse. Sure, we know there are secrets yet to be revealed...." Read more

"While I absolutely loved the attention to the subject of abuse and the bravery to obtain freedom from it that the women displayed, the believability..." Read more

"This book contains many instances of abuse. I deleted it after a few chapters." Read more

"...It is not for the faint at heart because it is about marital physical abuse...." Read more

9 customers mention "Difficulty to follow"3 positive6 negative

Customers have different views on the book's difficulty. Some find it understandable and complex, with answers easy to guess at. Others find it hard to get started and follow, making it difficult to finish.

"This book was hard to put down. I really like the storyline but did feel at times that is was hard to follow...." Read more

"It definitely kept me reading.. Some of the answers were fairly easy to guess at, but I felt like I was living the story with the main characters...." Read more

"...Sometimes it was a little hard to follow. But I soon found myself back on track. This was a great read!" Read more

"...Definitely a hard read. Hard to get started, hard to follow and hard to finish." Read more

Suspenseful until the last page
5 out of 5 stars
Suspenseful until the last page
This book was breathtaking! I felt as if I was holding my breath the whole time I was reading it. Totally consuming and suspenseful. Disturbing and addictive. You will spend sleepless nights until you finish it. Beautifully written and the plot is terrifying.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • D.L.W.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping - a real page turner!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This was intense, and I liked it very much. In fact, this was one of the best thriller-type books I’ve ever read. I felt the thump in my heart as things tensed up. In the beginning I didn’t like Elena very much because (manner in which) she was grieving she seemed whiney. I get the grief: the loss of her mother, her short-term boyfriend, and the loss of their baby. Still, she seemed insensitive to Nicholas’ own loss in that she goaded him to tell her what she wanted to hear about his first wife, she went “places” where he asked her not to and in the beginning we’re not sure why. His reaction was horrible. When he started getting physical, her character became more real and sympathetic. I think the physical abuse part seemed to be written very well, although I have not experienced it myself. Even if it hadn’t been a thriller - you sat on the edge of your seat waiting to see how he would respond to something. Two negatives: I didn’t care much for the supernatural aspects and sometimes I wasn’t sure who was who in the book in the last half. I had to go back and re-read parts. In fact, at the very end, I wasn’t sure who was speaking but I have an idea and won’t give it away. That sort of frustrated me. I would still highly recommend the book, because some of my frustrations might be more about me than the actual book. I don’t know. This would make a great movie.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Pheadra Farah
    4.0 out of 5 stars Gripping and Disturbing!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This book was an intriguing as it was gripping. Mostly though, it was a dark, disturbing read. It will appeal to those who live in the shadow of their spouse’s former partner. It will also serve as a warning for those who enter relationships too quickly, especially when they are vulnerable.
    We are introduced early in the story to a distraught Amelia. She is the first wife of Nicholas, a handsome and confident man who seems to be perfect in every way on the surface. Soon after this, we meet Elena who meets Nicholas at her mother’s funeral. Elena finds that she is attracted to him and the manner in which he woos her is strategic, planned and controlled by Nicholas who never talks about his life with Amelia. He also reacts badly whenever Elena raises the topic of his deceased wife. It is difficult for Elena to accept that Nicholas is over Amelia when he continues to exhibit photographs of his former spouse in what he claims is his home, and there are traces of her in the master bedroom, make-up clothing etc. It doesn’t take long for Nicholas to show his over-bearing OCD personality and abusive ways.
    The story is .told from the perspective of both Elena and Amelia interspersed with details about Nicholas’ parents and colleagues and friends of both the women in his life. At times I was screaming for both women to retaliate and teach Nicholas a lesson he would never forget for the verbal and physical abuse he inflicted on them and had to repeatedly remind myself that many women in abusive relationships remain at the table when love is no longer being served.

    The book is written in 3 parts and more than anything is testament to the lines, never judge a book by its cover, the leopard never changes his spots and every dog has his day.

    Shocking secrets, lies and betrayal in the book to the final twists and turns at the end, make this a gripping read. The inclusion of what might be termed unexplainable forces made this story different and interesting.
    57 people found this helpful
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  • Diane
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
    Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This was an exciting story with dark secrets. The characters are engaging and the ending was a wow! This is a very good book.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Domestic Violence
    Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I finished the book, but seriously considered closing it several times. The domestic violence scenes were too moany and too detailed. Very very troubling as I have had to witness the impact on the abused and the children involved. It may be too intense if you are sensitive to mindless violence directed towards wives and girl friends.
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  • QueenMac
    4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read, kept my interest (totally!) very much enjoyed
    Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    The characters were well developed (although not likeable at all times) and I felt a connection with them throughout the book. The plot kept my interest but at times it was hard to figure out which person in the story was "talking". Nice twist to the ending is all I'll say so I don't spoil it anyone. An enjoyable read although the subject matter is an uncomfortable one, it helped me to see "her" side of the issue and "live it" through her. Well written.
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  • Emily McCollin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting Story with Strong Female Characters
    Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    The Wife Before Me is such an exciting story! Love twists and turns? This one is for you.

    I'm a huge fan of the female heroine (or two or three of them) in a story and this book delivers. From the very beginning, the reader knows everything is not as it seems (duh, read the back of the back cover!), and I found myself constantly guessing at who was who and WHY. I really admired the way Ms. Elliot grew the cast of characters and how they each played a major role throughout the story.

    Warning: The main male figure in this book hits women and I really hate the ugly reality of a physically abusive relationship. I'm thankful this author does not sugar coat this awful side of humanity. This book also covers a lot of adult themes, so if you're a young reader, maybe check with mom and dad before starting this story.

    To sum up my experience with The Wife Before Me, I can't seem to stay up past 930pm very often these days, but this book kept me up until 130am trying to finish it (well, I admit to a nap somewhere around 830pm!) and the ending was well worth it. I look forward to reading another story by Laura Elliot.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Brookeeee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book.
    Reviewed in Canada on June 2, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Book was amazing. A definite page turner.
    Report
  • Andrew Lane
    4.0 out of 5 stars Page turner
    Reviewed in France on February 6, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Story line enticing but marred by literal mistakes and odd sentences . Thought this story would make a good serial for television. The mentality of the abuser was portrayed with insight. The victims of abuse were tenacious and admirable. Ending was too complicated, but would still recommend as a good read.
    Report
  • girl about town
    1.0 out of 5 stars nicht meins....
    Reviewed in Germany on January 17, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    habe mich wirklich durch das Buch gequält und war froh, dass es ein eBook-Schnäppchen war. Irgendwann wollte ich nicht mal mehr wissen, wie es nun ausgeht. So etwas langatmiges und zähes... Im Grunde geht es nur darum, wie ein Mann seine Frauen verprügelt.
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  • Ipsita Banerjee
    5.0 out of 5 stars A winner
    Reviewed in India on March 8, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Very interesting. This book grabs you and you're unable to let it go. This is definitely a one sitting read. Loved it!
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  • hp91
    5.0 out of 5 stars This story is a brilliant page-turner which is sensitively written and well deserving of 5 stars.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 12, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This book is cleverly written and handles a sensitive subject of Domestic Violence with subtlety and tact. The protagonist and heroine of the novel - Elena - is both likable and relatable and you will instantly feel empathy towards her. The author writes in a clever manner which allows the reader to feel the suffocation and confusion emanating from her relationship with Nicholas, and you will quickly find yourself willing Elena to break free from his coercive behaviour.
    A foreboding air of mystery is consistently accentuated throughout the book with the story of Nicholas's ex-wife, of whom both Elena and Nicholas find themselves obsessing over but for very different reasons. Your mind will be working overtime to solve the unknown and fit together the pieces that unravel as the story progresses. A suspenseful atmosphere is achieved throughout the novel and it reaches a climax with some clever and unexpected twists towards the end.

    This story is a brilliant page-turner which is sensitively written and well deserving of 5 stars.
    Report

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