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The Wives

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Member Reviews

I can't think of a way to review this unusual story without spoilers. So, I'll just say it held my attention throughout. I didn't want to put it down. And the ending caught me completely off guard. Tarryn Fisher is an excellent writer. She deserves five stars. But, The Wives left me feeling unsettled and nervous.

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This was a different take on the more than one wife stories. There were many surprises and I could barely put the book down. I couldn’t wait to see what happened but then I didn’t want it to end!

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I have really mixed feelings about this book, but in the end I was not really a fan. The premise was intriguing and the writing is definitely excellent--it was easy to read and kept drawing me back. I thought I was going to love it, but about halfway through it took a turn I really didn't like. Then it seemed to recover and I thought good fake out, can't wait to find out what's going to happen, but I really hated the ending. I'd definitely read another Taryn Fisher book because I think she's very talented and a really engaging writer, but this one left me disappointed. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of the book.

Actually, editing to say I'm changing my mind. I didn't like the ending, but it's actually kind of clever. Even though I was hoping for something different, it shouldn't really detract from what the book probably deserves. So I'm going to add a star to go up to 4. I often forget books as soon as I'm done reading them and this one has kept me going back thinking about it and reevaluating, so I guess for that alone it deserves more credit!

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This book completely surprised me. I was initially intrigued by the hype on social media and the topic of polygamy. I found Thursday's voice to be completely authentic in that she was easily able to recognize the social perception of plural marriage so she kept that information to herself, but was still able to justify it in her head because she made the extra effort to be the favorite of Seth's wives. A bit of a slow build, but be prepared for the last portion of the book where you won't expect what is coming or be able to put it down!

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This was wild! I've never read any of Tarryn Fisher's books before but I'm definitely going to be making them a priority to check out now. I kept thinking I had it figured out, but the hits and twists just kept on coming! Not my favorite thriller/book ever but enjoyable!

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Thursday is sure that her husband has two other wives, if only in name. She has been sharing him for years thinking that have some time with Seth is better than nothing. He has told her that he was raised by polygamist parents but she's never met them. Then a series of events cause her to question everything that she has known. When she discovers who the others are, she is determined to meet them. But a confrontation with Seth leads her to a stay in a psychiatric ward and she is even more determined when she is released.. Is Thursday seeing reality or is her reality a carefully constructed web created by Seth and the other wives? Lots of twists and turns kept me reading well into the night just to see how it all played out. I'm still wondering...

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I don't think I'm going to write a huge, long review on this one because I'm afraid of typing something that could potentially spoil the book for others. This is a book you should go in blind and with absolutely no expectation because if you go in otherwise, Tarryn is going to blow anything you thought right out of the water.

This is some of Tarryn's best work and the writing I love so much from her. I've missed this magic from her but The Wives definitely brought it all back. This genre is where Tarryn belongs and I hope we get more of these types of books from her in the future.

Like a few other reviews I am going back and forth on the ending but I believe it's exactly the kind of reaction Tarryn wanted. It's unpredictable and leaves you with your mouth hanging wide open, hoping there is just one more chapter.

From the cover to the very last word you can be sure Tarryn Fisher is going to take you for a ride you won't soon forget.

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Holy heck! What the what?!?! I can't even formulate full thoughts!!
Could not put this one down!
What I loved: I thought I knew what was happening, but I didn't even have a clue. Not. One. Clue.
What I hated: That I didn't have a clue!!!
What I liked: I didn't know who to hate!!
Can't wait for others to read this so we can discuss it!!

Actual stars 4.5.

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The Wives was an incredible psychological thriller. I didn’t know what was real and what wasn’t. Tarryn Fisher really knows how to write the perfect thriller with twists and turns that almost have your head spinning. Just when you think the book is done you’re wrong. She gets one more twist in. Highly recommend. Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy for an honest review. #thewives #netgalley

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Tarryn's books are so easy to read, simple writing that is so intriguing. There are always many questions after reading her books too, like, what did I just read? Who do I believe? What is real?

I thought The Wives was easy to read and face paced but the ending didn't shock me like I wanted. I mean, I wasn't expecting what happen to happen but also wasn't surprised by it either. This was a fun book to read, and I would recommend others read it. You really can't go wrong with a Tarryn Fisher book.

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First of all let me say I obviously have a prejudice against polygamy because at the start of the book the main character Hannah comes across a scrap of paper that reminds her that her husband has other wives .My first reaction Why? What man is worth it ? However this story does take quite the turn and despite my prejudice against the general subject kept me turning pages late into the night

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Thursday is a plural wife who doesn't live near the other two (aka "Monday" and "Tuesday") but has her own condo and life in a nearby city. She's never met the others, only knows what she hears from her husband. And what she knows is that she can be the perfect wife, the one who gives him the perfect life that they can't provide - like home cooked meals and adoration. So far, so good. But Thursday seems to like alcohol a little too much... and obsesses a little too much about the others. Not a good combination, particularly when it comes to reliable narration. There are a few moments when the plot twists in such a way that you're not sure whom to believe, but because none of the characters really gel this only rates a three star.

eARC provided by publisher.

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Wow - this book was so good! Tarryn Fisher has really knocked it out of the park with this one! This book is filled with twists and turns all through it up to the final page. I literally just shook my head and thought What did i just read? Thursday, Monday and Tuesday are in a polygamist relationship with Seth, but this is not like the HBO series Big Love or the television show Sister Wives - no nothing like that. I can't give much detail because I don't want to give any spoilers. This book just really captured my attention and I did not want to put it down. I think this was an absolute 5 star read for me! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book for my honest review.

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Thank you to Netgalley, author, and publisher for an advance copy of The Wives.

What. Did. I. Just. Experience? Seriously, I’m not even sure I can give a coherent review at this point.

Tarryn Fisher writes a hell of a scary, relatable, uncomfortable, (did I mention scary?) story. I’ve been on a big kick of enjoying unreliable narration, and this is about as unreliable as you can possibly get. Who do you trust? Who do you believe? What actually is happening? I’m pretty sure you won’t know until the last page. Even if you think you know (and I thought I did), I’d be surprised if even the most seasoned thriller reader figures this one out.

My one gripe is that it may have possibly been a little *too* convoluted and the ending wasn’t really my style.

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My thoughts about this book are all over the place. I love that the summary didn't give anything away. I even think a second read could be in order in order to see more of the details, and I rarely ever reread. So that's saying something! Such a great suspense novel. I will say, it was very farfetched but entertaining. Had it been just a tiny bit more realistic I would've given it 5 stars.

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Seth has three wives. Monday, Thursday, Tuesday. None know specifics about the others, and Thursday is just fine compartmentalizing her husband and life. Except when plans collide, and then she decides to investigate her husband’s other lives, and what she finds shocks her. Is Seth the man she thought she’d married and compromised everything for, or is he a sociopathic polygamist? As the reader is led into Thursday’s more bending, unconventional life and revelations, it’s clear that what lies beneath is sinister and frightening.
While the premise hooks the reader initially, the writing seems flat and uninspired from the usually exceptionally talented Fisher. The pacing is erratic, and the atmospheric build up stumbles more than once. The ending? It leaves a feeling of being a mishmash of many other endings in this genre. However, Fisher’s natural talent for clever details and insightful psychological observations bring a good measure of redemption to The Wives. If you’ve read and enjoyed other Fisher novels prior to The Wives, it won’t be your new favorite. If you’re new to Fisher, it is a decent first foray into her world, and I’d urge you to pick up another Fisher novel.

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This book was received as an ARC from HARLEQUIN - Graydon House Books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I knew from the start that this book was going to be beyond interesting. The book is packed with drama, conflict and mystery like no other book I have read. I loved the plot twist of the two wives becoming friends entrusting in each other when they are not even supposed to know each other and then one of them shows up beaten up and to later find out that it was her husband that beat her up and then later to find out her husband is YOUR husband, you can't get more juicy than that. Then, just as that wasn't enough, you later find out about the third wife and now your friendship and your marriage are at stake and maybe even your life if your husband doesn't claim you as his next victim. This book was a nail biting edge of your seat adrenaline rush that I have never experienced before and I can't wait to share it with our patrons and community.

We will consider adding this title to our Mystery collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

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A lot of us would be pretty happy if our husbands were only home one day a week. That’s how it is for our protagonist, hubby is only home once weekly because he’s spending time with his other wives. The wives don’t know any specifics about each other and that works just fine, until a note in hubby’s pocket brings two of the wives together. They become friends, meeting for coffee and chats until wife number one notices bruises on her new friend and sister wife. Were they inflicted by their husband? This is an edge of your seat thriller where nothing is as it seems

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4.5 stars. thanks to netgalley for the e-arc! this was one. wild. ride. I've been a little bored by psychological thrillers lately but this one truly took me to unexpected places and I had a hard time putting it down. I really like Fisher's writing & there were some very thoughtful insights hidden within. It almost felt like a Russian Doll - take a deep dive down and see where you end up! This comes out in December 2019.

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Finished it this morning and I’ve been shaking my head all day. It was really good up until the very last part where I became totally confused (as did Thursday). Not sure if I missed something or what. Still a good read.

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