Her inclination has always been to run from trouble…

…but this time she is staying to see things through.

To the outside world Addison Dougherty had it all. Famed pediatric surgeon Richmond Dougherty divorced his high school sweetheart wife and left his two children to marry her, and together they moved into the huge new home that his ex Kathryn had handpicked for herself but never got to inhabit. Of course the community where they live has pretty much decided that Addison is a gold-digging home-wrecker and reserved their sympathy for Kathryn, which made going out for a coffee awkward. Richmond, who survived an horrific tragedy in his teens that turned him into a beloved national figure, escaped much of the ill feeling directed at Addison. The whirlwind romance that many have imagined could not have been further from reality…there was only hatred and anger between Addison and Richmond, and it was just a matter of time before one of them killed the other. When Richmond turns up dead everyone assumes that Addison killed him, but she has a solid alibi…but the town’s (and especially Kathryn’s) hostility towards her ratchets up even more. It’s hard to prove yourself innocent of killing someone whom you genuinely wanted dead, especially when you were planning to do so at some point only someone beat you to it. Why did Addison and Richmond marry? What secrets was each keeping from the other, and what damaging information had they dug up on one another? And if Addison didn’t kill Richmond, who did….and why?
If you like your protagonists less than squeaky clean and tough as nails (at least on the surface), then get ready to meet Addison. Her meeting with and marriage to Richmond were planned for a long time, and as the story progresses the reader learns all about her toxic childhood and what it was that Richmond did which merited the revenge Addison was in the process of delivering. Richmond may be a practically saintly figure to the world, but there is far more to him than anyone suspects. With an impeccably groomed but furious ex-wife, two step-children who hate her yet keep arriving at her door, Richmond’s lawyer who claims to be impartial (but is he, really?), and a local detective who is convinced of her guilt, Addison has her work cut out for her if she wants to avoid being arrested for and convicted of murder. Being the trophy wife can be hard to pull off in a town where the first wife is adored, but Addison is more concerned with staying alive than winning a popularity contest. Lots of plot twists will keep the reader guessing right up until the end, and the vivid characters add to the overall enjoyment. Readers of author Darby Kane’s previous novels will find this an engaging read, as will fans of authors like Liv Constantine, Carol Goodman and Jaime Lynn Hendricks. Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow Paperbacks for allowing me early access to What the Wife Knew in exchange for my honest review.

Oh man was I pumped to get approval for this one! I’ve been a fan since her first book so the chance to read this was fab. Unfortunately, it was quite a let down. The premise was great and the first 1/3ish of the book had me going, but as we got further into the story, the faster it started to go downhill in the sense that it was like every other thriller these days-throw everything you can in and hope something works. The “twists” you could see a mile away so they weren’t super thrilling and the ending you have to pretty much suspend all belief to accept. Then there’s all the superfluous subplots that do nothing to add to the story that I guess are meant to be red herrings but really do nothing more than fill up more pages.

If you crossed a lifetime movie and an episode of the Real Housewives of any city, you’d get this. Maybe I’m just jaded but it didn’t work for me.
Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for this eArc in excellent for my review.

While the pacing of this thriller was excellent and kept me hooked the whole time, I think it suffered from one twist too many. So much that the last one was really a WTF moment that sort of ruined it for me. I would have rated this in the 4-5 star range had it ended before the last twist. It was so out of the realm of believability and reality that it spoiled the plot.

What the Wife Knew by Darby Kane, is an entertaining thrill ride through dysfunction, deception, and delightful drama.
Domestic fiction fans, sharpen your claws and pour a glass of wine, you’re in for a wild, scandalous escape into messy marriages, family feuds, and the ultimate revenge plot. This is a no mercy thriller, hitting shelves December 10th. It’s part murder mystery, part soap opera, and all kinds of deliciously twisted. Buckle up, because this one’s a doozy.

Imagine this, Dr. Richmond Dougherty, a revered pediatric surgeon and tragic hero, takes a fatal tumble down the stairs. Suspicious, right? Well, his new young wife, Addison Dougherty, is the obvious suspect. After all, their whirlwind marriage lasted only 97 days, and the town already hated her for snatching up the wealthy, freshly divorced doctor. But here’s the kicker, Addison didn’t kill him. Sure, she was planning to (eventually), but someone else got there first. Now Addison has to clear her name, dodge threats, and untangle a web of secrets that might just make her the next victim.

Along the way, we meet Kathryn, Richmond’s pompous first wife. Elias, the sharp tongued lawyer Addison loves to hate, and a supporting cast of liars, narcissists, and backstabbers who keep the drama simmering. The cherry on top? A note left in Addison’s bedroom that reads “You will pay”.

Oh, where to begin? Kane serves up a steaming dish of intrigue with a side of biting wit. Addison is a standout, spitfire protagonist who’s equal parts clever, sarcastic, and utterly unbothered by the town’s disdain. Her sharp wisecracks and “take no prisoners” attitude make her the anti-heroine we can’t help but root for.

The plot? Wildly unpredictable. Every time you think you’ve got it figured out, Kane tosses in another twist that has you second guessing every character’s motives. Is Elias really on Addison’s side? What’s the deal with her mother’s lies? And just how many secrets was Richmond hiding? It’s a rollercoaster of betrayals and revelations that had my jaw on the floor.

The story also deftly explores deeper themes, dysfunctional families, emotional abuse, and the illusion of privilege. Kane doesn’t shy away from showing the dark underbelly of wealth and power, making the characters motivations feel disturbingly authentic.

Now, if you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller, you might find parts of this one a slow burn. Kane takes her time unraveling the layers of deceit, which can feel repetitive at moments. And while the ending ties up most loose ends, a few lingering questions (especially around Addison’s mother) might leave some frustrated.

Also, let’s not sugarcoat it, this book is packed with unlikable characters. But honestly, that’s half the fun. It’s like watching a reality TV reunion. You hate them all, but you need to know what happens next.

What the Wife Knew is a drama filled domestic thriller that’ll keep you flipping pages late into the night. With its unapologetically messy characters, juicy twists, and a protagonist you can’t help but cheer for, it’s a must read for fans of The Housemaid or Big Little Lies. Sure, it’s over the top at times, but that’s exactly what makes it so entertaining.

So grab a copy on December 10th, settle in with a cozy blanket (and maybe a stiff drink), and get ready for a ride that’s equal parts outrageous and 100% addicting. Just don’t trust anyone, not even the narrator. This is perfect for readers who love their thrillers with a side of sass and a whole lot of drama.

Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Darby Kane, for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a good thriller. Like, I gasped out loud multiple times. The pacing was great, the twists were a mix of expected versus surprising, and even though everyone was extremely morally gray, I still found myself rooting for Addison. Darby Kane knocked this one out of the park. Thank you so much NetGalley for the ARC!

I was interested in this story right away, but then it completely fell apart for me. It was very repetitive. The writing and the plot were both repetitive. For example, we get it Richmond is a bad person. And people kept showing up to Addison’s house and she would comment every time like “look another uninvited guest!”. The plot and dialogue were so unrealistic (ex. Richmond is a “piece of crap”. Like he killed his whole family, I think he’s a little more than a piece of crap. I also needed more detail as to why Addison killed her stepdad. This was a major issue between her and her mom and we never got much detail. A ten year old killing someone, accidental or not, is a big deal! Even the climactic scene at the end with the fight between Kathryn and Addison was so dragged out it ceased to be exciting.

This book grabbed me and kept my attention from the very beginning.
The main female character is full of wit and sarcasm, and I adored her for that. Up until the very end the twists kept coming.

Richmond is a well-known small-town hero turned pediatric surgeon, he is wealthy and has everything going for him.
His life takes a turn when he immediately divorces his wife and marries a much younger Addison.
After only being married for a short time, Richmond has an accident and dies unexpectedly.

The first twist, Addison wanted to be the one to kill him, but who beat her to the punch? Investigators are hot on her tail as all the signs point at her when his death is determined to be a murder and not an accident.
This is just the beginning of the unexpected twists and turns.
Who can be trusted?
Everyone has secrets and the revelations are shocking.

Thank you, William Morrow, Darby Kane, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What the Wife Knew delivers exactly what I have come to expect from Darby Kane. This work had me shocked time after time.

When a well known surgeon is found dead, all eyes turn to his new, young, wife. Although Addison entered into this marriage with less than altruistic motives she swears she didn't kill her husband. This multi-POV book will remind you that there are three sides to every story - his, hers, and the truth.

Thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A fast paced suspense novel with an original plot. Once you start reading you can’t stop. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

How is this my first Darby Kane novel? Yes, I’ve clearly been hiding under a rock. Her newest novel, WHAT THE WIFE KNEW, had me hooked immediately. It starts with a scorned wife at her husband’s funeral to make sure he really died. It was a wild ride from the start. The occasional past timeline chapters uncover why main character, Addison, despises her new husband, Richmond. Richmond is a well known pediatric surgeon with a past history of saving his school from a gun shooting (shooter being his brother). He sounds like a lovable hero. Now Addison is prime suspect in his murder.

I honestly didn’t know who to trust in this book. Everyone held secrets including (and especially) Addison. Addison is kind of a lovable con though and I rooted for her as she meant well most of the time. The twists were great and loved the punch ending.

This book was released yesterday so if it’s not already in your cart or on your library hold list, get it there. It’s a fast paced psychological thriller for fans of unreliable characters, dysfunctional families, and lots of twists!

Many thanks to William Morrow Books or the early e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

Darby Kane's previous release was a miss for me so I was a bit nervous about What The Wife Knew. I'm happy to say that this one was a hit! This is a fast paced domestic thriller full of morally gray characters and twists galore! I was hooked from start to finish! I paired the ebook and audio and the narration from Helen Laser and Andrew Elden was very well done.

What the Wife Knew … and also what she didn’t know! Holy moly! Just when you think you know what’s going on, there are more revelations. This book is full of messed up people … nobody is extremely likable. Does anyone care about anyone else besides themselves? Despite the main character, Addison, being an odd person, I did root for her to be happy and successful. But does she know what she needs to be content? Does anybody? This would be a good book club choice because there are so many driving factors behind people’s actions. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the digital ARC.

3.5⭐️

This was twisty, entertaining, intriguing and full of drama, suspense and flair. I liked the short chapters, dual POVs and the way the timeline was written.

This follows the story of Addison, who is accused of killing her husband, and the ensuing messy revelations that followed.

I enjoyed how the author crafted the suspense and the winding plot. Nothing was given away early or easily. There were so many twists and turns that I didn’t even know what to expect anymore.

Full of a cast of morally gray characters, this psychological thriller/ family drama delivers much more than a soap opera. It features complex family relationships and dynamics, blackmail, betrayal and revenge.

The ending was a bit ish and appeared a bit hurried. But I would still recommend this.

I don’t know why I waited so long to get around to this one, but it was SO MUCH FUN! The main character’s snarkiness is a HOOT and a HALF! That and the short chapters that ended on cliffhangers kept me turning the pages as fast as possible. The ending has a couple hiccups, but this one is a winner in my book!

This is my 3rd book by Darby Kane and it kept me on my toes the whole entire 368 pages. Yes I felt it a little long but holy cow, the lies, secrets, revenge - it was all there the whole time!! Lots to still process. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this release. It’s publication day today! It’s a great thriller with twists and turns, especially at the end.

This had some vibes of The Last Mrs. Parrish--a book I loved!--so I was excited to read this. Addison is married to Richmond only a few months when he's found dead. The town thinks she killed him, and she would have, but someone got to him first.
*
This is a fast read, with short chapters and flashbacks, and a couple changes in POV. And lots of secrets!
*
Every character comes off as truly terrible at first (which is not a problem for me, but some people don't like that), but Addison really grew on me and I was really rooting for her by the end. The climax felt a bit long, and one major twist was not all that surprising and another was just...icky.
*
Overall, a solid thriller!

Darby Kane delivers an enthralling ride in What the Wife Knew, a mystery thriller packed with relentless twists and turns. True to her reputation for crafting intricate plots, Kane weaves a tale that keeps readers guessing at every turn, making trust and truth elusive commodities throughout the story.

The novel thrives on its ability to upend expectations. Each twist feels purposeful, elevating the tension and layering the narrative with intrigue. The shifting dynamics between characters ensure that readers are constantly reevaluating their assumptions. This uncertainty is where the novel excels—it keeps you in a state of suspense, cycling through theories only to have them upended by the next revelation.

Kane’s deft handling of pacing is another strength. The story never feels bogged down, instead accelerating toward its crescendo while maintaining a tight grip on the plot’s logic. The suspense is heightened by the author’s ability to make every character seem suspicious, a hallmark of well-executed thrillers.

For fans of the genre, What the Wife Knew is a standout entry that demonstrates Kane’s mastery of suspense and storytelling. With its tightly coiled tension and ever-shifting alliances, this book will leave you second-guessing everyone—and eager to see how it all unravels.

Verdict: A gripping and twisty thriller that demands your full attention. Kane’s ability to manipulate trust and uncertainty makes this a must-read for mystery enthusiasts.

This book had all the good plot points for a thriller! I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the twists and came to really like the main character even though she was flawed. This book follows Addison, whom married a man who winds up dead. The thing is, Addison wanted to be the one to kill and destroy him, but someone beat her to it. Now, she is a suspect in the murder, and she didn't do it; so who did? Twists. secrets, lies, and past relationships come in to play in unraveling this story.
While some twists were predictable. others were surprising and I enjoyed this thriller! Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the ARC of this book.

Kane is a must read author for me and this was another twisty treat! This has some seriously messed up families that were an absolutely delight to read about and not be a part of. There was so much scheming throughout that you didn’t know who to trust. I loved trying to work out what was going to happen - the ending was exactly what the book needed.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Darby Kane. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Dr. Richmond Dougherty is a renowned surgeon, a tragedy survivor and hero. He's also dead after a fall down the stairs. His very sudden marriage to much younger Addison is only 97 days old, so all fingers point to her, now that she is a wealthy widow. But someone killed Richmond before Addison had the chance to do it herself.

This was such twisty fun! I loved Addison's snarky, dark humor, and her smart thinking and planning. There are a host of questionable subjects, unlikeable characters, dysfunctional family relationships, and secrets galore - my kind of book! The story unfolds through the POV of "Her" and "Him," both in the past and present. It's suspenseful, perfectly plotted, with short chapters that will keep you turning the pages until that crazy ending.