The Ex A Novel

Alafair Burke — 2016

In this breakout standalone novel of suspense in the vein of Gone Girl and The Girl on a Train, a woman agrees to help an old boyfriend who has been framed for murder—but begins to suspect that she is the one being manipulated. And look for Alafair Burke’s latest heart-racing novel of psychological suspense, The Wife, coming in January 2018. Twenty years ago she ruined his life. Now she has the chance to save it. Widower Jack Harris has resisted the dating scene ever since the shooting of his wife Molly by a fifteen-year-old boy three years ago. An early morning run along the Hudson River changes that when he spots a woman in last night’s party dress, barefoot, enjoying a champagne picnic alone, reading his favorite novel. Everything about her reminds him of what he used to have with Molly. Eager to help Jack find love again, his best friend posts a message on a popular website after he mentions the encounter. Days later, that same beautiful stranger responds and invites Jack to meet her in person at the waterfront. That’s when Jack’s world falls apart. Olivia Randall is one of New York City’s best criminal defense lawyers. When she hears that her former fiancé, Jack Harris, has been arrested for a triple homicide—and that one of the victims was connected to his wife’s murder—there is no doubt in her mind as to his innocence. The only question is who would go to such great lengths to frame him—and why? For Olivia, representing Jack is a way to make up for past regrets, to absolve herself of guilt from a tragic decision, a secret she has held for twenty years. But as the evidence against him mounts, she is forced to confront her doubts. The man she knew could not have done this. But what if she never really knew him?

Reviews

Victoria@veespages

Apr 8, 2023

I didn't see most of the "twists" coming but there's just something about the way this was written that didn't quite give me that push or interest as a supposed mystery/suspense/thriller novel should. It just sucks because it could have been good but the reveals were just boring, to say the least. Ugh. ------------------------------------ CURRENTLY READING 13 chapters in and I still can't figure out the "mystery" in this book. Where's the suspense? Where's the thrill? Where's the part that's pushing me to keep turning the pages until I get to the end?? ------------------------------------ I'm seriously hoping that this won't be another trying-hard-copy-cat of Gone Girl.

Victoria@veespages

Apr 8, 2023

3.5 stars Well that was a pretty easy read, to be honest. The pacing was good and was not boring at all. And the most important thing, I was definitely not expecting that ending. I just felt like I was left hanging by the end of that last chapter and that I should be reading more but, oh well.

Sue Schilling@soo-z

Jan 14, 2023

Excellent mystery. Abrupt ending

Vanessa Arenas@varenas

Oct 31, 2022

Twisty, Twisty. Jason and Angela have a perfect life. Jason is in the public eye and Angela is a caterer. One day one of Jason's interns acuses him on being innapropriate with her and that is where everything blows up!! However, this book has so many twists and turns that it grips the reader and does not let go. The reader never imagines the ending. Super Thrilling, such a recommended book!

Fellowes Cynthia@cynstarlight

Mar 14, 2022

I barely remember what this was about so I gave it three stars.

Emily C Peterson@etrigg

Oct 22, 2021

4.5

Emily C Peterson@etrigg

Oct 22, 2021

3.5 I called the ending way too early

Witch@thewitchofthewood

Oct 21, 2021

So the first 3/4 of this book was really great. It was fast paced, interesting, and I wanted to know more about the characters, even the ones I didn't like. Then the end happened and it just burst my bubble. The first 3/4 I'd give a solid 4 stars to, the last bit, 2 stars.