Title: My Lovely Wife
Author: Samantha Downing
Publisher: Michael Joseph
[Synopsis]
Every marriage has secrets. Everyone has flaws. Your wife isn’t perfect – you know that – but then again nor are you.
But now a serial killer is on the loose in your small town, preying on young women. Fear is driving your well-behaved young daughter off the rails, and you find yourself in bed late at night, looking at the woman who lies asleep beside you.
Because you thought you knew the worst about her. The truth is you know nothing at all.
[My Review]
My Lovely Wife is delightfully dark and naughty novel which is unapologetically shocking – I loved it!
The characters are great; Millicent is often quietly scary but also very entertaining to read about, whilst her husband – whose name we never seem to hear – recounts their live together (present-day and past), wrapped up in something very sinister! Their slightly fucked-up kids add an interesting element to the story, as the reader may think the two of them have no qualms about what they do, but when it starts to affect their kids then it should be a different matter…
I love that Millicent, as a mother (and of course, a female) isn’t painted as a typical ‘weaker’, more maternal and emotional character. She’s strong and definitely terrifying, and – let’s be honest – not actually very likable, but it makes such a great change from the usual stereotypes that often come with female characters.
The story opens with an absolute bang, and for me that opening completely grabbed me and didn’t let me go until the end. I found My Lovely Wife an utterly riveting read and a fantastic debut. I’ll be keeping a keen eye on Ms Downing’s future releases!
[Rating: 5/5]
Many thanks to Michael Joseph for providing a copy of this book on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.