Review: The Wife and the Widow

‘If we don’t talk about the monsters in this world, we won’t be ready for them when they jump out from under the bed.’

This is a classic thriller! I was totally engrossed from the get-go. The book is written from two perspectives: Kate, whose husband John is murdered, and Abby, whose husband Ray’s behaviour makes her think the worst.

Although set in a holiday town on the Victorian coast, this book feels as if it’s set in America. It’s hard to pinpoint why, but I think White was very much writing with an American audience in mind. Is this a problem? Only in so far as I found it hard to get a sense of place while reading and felt it was a lost opportunity to make more of the Australian landscape.

I don’t want to say too much for fear of giving away the plot. Let’s just say you will not be bored by The Wife and the Widow - it really is a page-turner!

• Review
• Christian White