I started this one and it just did not hold my interest. I kept putting this one off but I finally decided to give in and I guess my first instinct was the correct one. I couldn't sympathize or relate to the main character and the story wasn't very original. DNF for me.

Had me hooked from the get go. Such a fun, twisty, atmospheric book. I was guessing throughout and adored the way I thought I had things figured out and I didnt!

Sam and Charlotte are a married couple who also happen to be con artists. They work on cruise ships where they befriend the wealthy guests and the. con them out of their money. They agree to only target those who can afford it, and they spin tales of woe to convince their targets to donate to fundraising pages. These fundraisers are completely fiction, and their cons fill their own pockets as they plan to lead the lifestyles of their wealthy targets.
We are given dual time lines of past and present Charlotte has left Sam and she is trying to live a con free life and then she starts receiving threats. She soon learns Sam is missing, but she can't help wondering if this is just another one of his scams. Is Sam the one behind the threats or has one of of their fraud victims tracked her down, looking for justice?

I'm not sure why this never transferred to here when I reviewed it before but here is my previously written review I posted to good reads.

I really hate to review this book this way. I received a preview copy through the killer crime club and was beyond excited and honored to be chosen. I just feel so horrible to rate this so low. I love thriller novels, I love Agatha Christie, I've heard many good things about this author but this novel just wasn't for me. I loved the descriptions of the scenery and the boats it was all in depth I could imagine myself there that is about it though. It took me about 100 pages in to get to a place were I actually wanted to know what really was going to happen. By than however I had assumptions about what had really happened to Sam the ex husband, and who could have possibly been threatening the main character, it was glaringly set up to be right in your face. Than it ended up being right on the page the answers that were obvious and I was honestly disappointed I wanted to be wrong but I wasn't. On top of that there are so many random characters that flip through the story that seem as though they're just filler, unnecessary. The book really just felt disjointed. I did however think the ending was cute a tiny cute little way to end slightly on a happy note but there were still a lot of holes in there.

Title: "The Ex-Husband" by Karen Hamilton - A Missed Opportunity

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

I had the chance to explore an advanced reader copy of "The Ex-Husband" by Karen Hamilton, and it's with regret that I must express my disappointment in this thriller. Despite a promising premise, the execution fell short, leaving me underwhelmed.

The story revolves around the life of Nell, who finds herself entangled in a web of dark secrets, manipulation, and a toxic relationship with her ex-husband, Peter. While the initial setup piqued my interest, the pacing was uneven, with a slow build that failed to generate the tension and suspense expected from a thriller. The characters lacked depth, and their motivations often felt contrived.

Unfortunately, "The Ex-Husband" failed to deliver on its potential. While the theme of a toxic relationship held promise, the narrative's execution left much to be desired. The twists and turns, intended to be shocking, often felt forced and convoluted. I appreciate the opportunity to read this advanced copy, but it ultimately left me wanting more from a psychological thriller.

Loved this book. The storyline was so well done and the characters were perfect. It was a hit from the first few lines until the end.

This one started out well and then slowed down. The alternating timelines was ok until it just left the present and it all went downhill. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for review

I loved this book. Was a great thriller. Loved the cast of characters and the storyline plot. Definitely recommend this one!!

3.5, really enjoyed the plot line and the twist. Was a slow build up but didn't see the twist coming!

It’s super slow and when the past timelines finished and the present day took center stage I assumed the pace would pick up and I was wrong. This isn’t a thriller, it has a very small amount of tension and the outcome was weak. Everything just lagged and I was left wanting more.

I had to DNF this one. I read 100 pages and it just did not do it for me. There were no likeable characters, and the setting was a no go

The Ex-Husband is a phenomenal thriller from start to finish. Filled to the brim with twists and a captivating plot, this one is sure to keep readers hooked. The characters are well-developed. The story is incredibly fast-paced. This is one not to be missed! Highly recommended! Be sure to check out The Ex-Husband asap.

This is an OK read about a con-artist who ends up having the tables turned on her. However, there was another great novel, also about a con-artist, that came out around the same time. This one does not really stand up with that one.


I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this copy.

Charlotte meets Sam working on a cruise ship. Falling in love and partnering up to con rich people. Now that Charlotte is away from Sam and Sam is missing, someone is threatening her.

This was a solid read. Not a lot of action, not a surprisingly shocking twist but overall an enjoyable read.

I absolutely loved this book! I found it hard to put down. I highly recommend reading it! You won’t be disappointed.

While this may have been my favorite book by Karen Hamilton, it still wasn't the best. I think I'll give her one more shot.

I can always count on Karen Hamilton to put together a fun and exciting thriller filled with drama and that’s exactly what THE EX-HUSBAND delivers! Told through the eyes of Charlotte, we’re able to travel between her present day situation and the life she led with her now ex-husband, Sam. I found both timelines to be equally enjoyable and I was happy to switch back and forth to get more of each story. Did I guess the ending? Not all of it, but a large chunk of the plot. Did I still enjoy it? Definitely! I felt that Hamilton gave the reader enough hints to put two and two together for where the story was going that it left you anxiously awaiting Charlotte to come to the same conclusion. Much like with television shows or movies structured this way, the fun is in how it all plays out and that aha moment you so desperately want the character to have. If you’re looking for a popcorn thriller, definitely add this to your list!

A huge thank you to HTP Books for my gifted copy!

A couple who had been playing others on cruise ships suddenly found the wife alone when the husband disappeared. Just when she turned honest, someone was threatening her. This was a good book but predictable, with unlikable characters. And too slow for my mood. An okay read.

Charlotte’s husband, Sam, has disappeared. Charlotte has decided to turn her life around & live a clean life. Someone is looking for Sam & sending crypt messages to Charlotte. To get to the bottom of Sam’s disappearance & what is happening, she takes on a job working a private yacht party. There are many twists & turns - some are predictable. An enjoyable read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Charlotte and Sam started off small, but their lives as con artists grew exponentially. But, Charlotte intended on starting over - without Sam, the man that melted her heart. From cruise ship to luxury yacht, the pair developed the best cons. Now Sam is nowhere to be found, but Charlotte must go on.

With her newest job, that of a personal assistant on a smaller, yet incredibly luxurious cruise ship, Charlotte tries to go straight. That does not come easy for her as she begins to receive threatening notes. These notes prove that her past is not a secret. In fact, her very life might be at stake. Someone on the ship is out to get her, but who? And, what did happen to Sam?

Who is after Charlotte and what do they want from her? She is not sure she wants to know. In fact, this new job proves a good opportunity for her. She finds herself well suited to the job. If only her stalker would leave her alone.

Will Charlotte be able to stay straight and also find out what happened to Sam? Also, the cruise ship has a limited population so then the issue also means that someone she is in contact with might be the one after her. What a mystery this book is, especially as the story seamlessly blends together two timelines, that of the past and of the present. This engaging book was wrapped up with a fabulous conclusion.

Many thanks to Graydon House and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.