This was very fast paced and full of twists!! The 2 different POVs were very interesting; when you have mothers who only want to say good things about their children you never know how truthful they’re being. Overall the story fell a little flat for me and the time jumps were a little hard to follow, but it was definitely a fun and easy read!! Thank you netgalley for the early copy :)

Wow wow wow!! I loved this book!! What a heart pounder!! This book was very thrilling !! Lots of action, suspense, drama with plenty of twists and turns! Wow I did not expect this book to be like it was! I highly recommend reading this one! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Sue Watson is a great author! I have enjoyed evey book by her so far. I gave this one 5 stars. It felt a little different following along than usual. I truly enjoyed it and did not expect most of the twists and turns. You will not regret buying this book!

Life can be a complex maze, and friendships can change like the wind, but neighbours remain a constant presence—always just on the other side of the fence. They witness the highs and lows of your life, the moments of joy and sorrow, and perhaps even a few secrets you thought were safe. Or are they? How well do we know our neighbours and what deep, dark secrets they may hide behind closed doors?

Enter Jill and Wendy, two neighbours who have navigated the twists and turns of life together since their early married days. Late-night porch conversations over a bottle of wine provided them with a refuge while their children slept peacefully. They shared dreams, laughter, and whispers of their deepest secrets—until those secrets unravelled.

It was my second experience with Sue Watson's captivating storytelling; my first was "You, Me, Her." This particular novel caught my attention. Something about stories rooted in domestic life draws me in, teetering on the delicate edge between what is and what could be. The characters are so relatable that they seem to leap off the page, with their complexities unravelling in ways that tug at your heartstrings. It was my second experience with Sue Watson's captivating storytelling; my first was "You, Me, Her." This particular novel captured my attention. Something about stories rooted in domestic life draws me in, teetering on the delicate edge between what is and what could be. The characters are so relatable that they seem to leap off the page, their complexities unravelling in ways that tug at your heartstrings. As Jill’s and Wendy’s pasts and secrets are revealed, both women's motivations blur the lines between right and wrong, leaving us to question everything we thought we knew.
Their friendship shatters when tragedy strikes—Leo, Jill’s son, dies unexpectedly. His girlfriend, Wendy’s daughter, was supposed to attend Senior Prom with him that fateful night. What was supposed to be a fun celebration spirals out of control, ending in tragedy. The police have found no foul play, ruling out accidents and suicides, yet Jill's instincts scream otherwise. Her quest for answers transforms into an obsession that threatens to consume her.

Set against the stunning backdrop of a Welsh cottage, Watson crafts a gripping tale of friendship poised on the brink of betrayal. The two women prepare for a battle of truths and lies, navigating their layered existence. Each conversation pulses with tension—who will emerge as the ultimate truth-teller?

In a brilliant narrative structure, we switch between Jill's and Wendy's perspectives, becoming entwined in their gripping saga. With each turn of the page, we question loyalties and grapple with twists that keep us on our toes. "Wife, Mother, Liar" is a thrilling exploration of the human psyche. Isn't that what makes life—and neighbours—so wonderfully complicated? Prepare to be captivated and unsettled as secrets unfurl like a chilling autumn breeze.

I genuinely couldn't put this book down! I devoured it in one exhilarating sitting, staying up until the early morning hours. Sue Watson has a remarkable gift for misleading you, pulling the rug out from under your feet, and leaving you on the edge of your seat with your jaw dropped. It makes you rethink everything you've just read! If you haven’t picked up any of Sue Watson's books yet, I highly recommend starting with "Wife, Mother, Liar." You certainly won't be disappointed. I’m already excited to explore her backlist!

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Every opinion expressed here is my own. Mark your calendars: "Wife, Mother, Liar" will be released in Canada and the USA on January 10, 2025!

Thanks to Netgalley and Booktouture for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Jill and Wendy used to be best friends and neighbors until one of their teenage children died. Now they are meeting in Wales for a weekend to rekindle the friendship or so it seems.

This book was ok at best. I normally like Sue Watson but as another reviewer observed this was told to us not demonstrated through actions. There was very little action, it was mostly inner monologues about what had happened in the past. It felt like two people sitting in a room thinking about how much they dislike each other. I thought there were some interesting twists at the end but I was over it by then. I will read more from her but this wasn’t her best.

I loved this new thriller by Sue Watson containing a twisted story of lies and deception. Even though I felt like the characters were totally unlikable, they kept me wanting to read more and find out what was going to happen next. This is a story about families, love and friendship and what people will do to preserve them. I utterly enjoyed this book and the stunning conclusion.

Jill and Wendy met, each as newlyweds, when they moved in next door to each other. Their friendship grew fast and furiously. Their children became friends and did everything together until Oliva and Leo went to prom. Only Olivia survived. Jill is convinced that Wendy, Robert and Olivia know more than they’re letting on. A year and a half after Leo’s death the estranged friends reunite at Jill’s invitation to a weekend in the country. Said weekend doesn’t end well for one of the ladies. The history between them, their husbands and their children is revealed through alternating protagonists culminating with what happened. Twists and surprises along the way make this an interesting story.

Wife, Mother, Liar by Sue Watson is another bingeable read from the undisputable queen of the domestic thriller.

Jill and Wendy have been neighbours and friends for years, raising their children together and witnessing the ups and downs of each other's marriage. When their children attend their prom together, only one will come home, and the aftermath will cause relationships to be tested, in some cases to the breaking point, and the two women will make one last push for answers that they have lived for so long without. Secrets will be revealed as multiple perspectives weigh in to peel back the layers of a mystery that has torn the lives of two families apart.

Sue Watson has once again reminded me why she has always been, and forever will be, an automatic read for me. 4.5 stars

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.

The premise of Wife, Mother, Liar is decent, but the book violates the "show don't tell" throughout. The entire book consists of the characters - who are all extremely unlikable - telling long monologues to each other. And that is how we learn about every single thing that happens. There is very little action, but lots of exposition. I might have tolerated that better if there was someone to root for, but every person was despicable, even the one you want to sympathize with. There are some surprises at the end but those didn't really add to the story. This just wasn't for me.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for this book in exchange for my honest review.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Wife, Mother, Liar’ written by Sue Watson in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Jill and Wendy have been best friends from the day they became next door neighbours. Jill’s son Leo and Wendy’s daughter Olivia become close and attend the school prom together but Leo runs off and later that evening is found dead. Still grieving, Jill arranges a surprise weekend away at a secluded cottage in Wales for herself and Wendy but she’s got an ulterior motive as she’s positive Wendy knows what happened to Leo that night, and she plans to get to the truth.

‘Wife, Mother, Liar’ is a psychological thriller of friendship, secrets and lies with chapters told alternately by Jill and Wendy. The story is well-written but fairly slow and it isn’t until the two women are at the cottage that it becomes much more interesting. The story is a rollercoaster of emotions as the truth emerges and hidden secrets revealed, and we find out what did happen on prom night. All the activity is in the concluding chapters with the final twists changing all my preconceived ideas of what happened and who was responsible. It’s a good solid story that’s worth reading.

Whew! Give me a second while I collect myself after reading this gripping, shocking, doozy of a book! Holy Cow! Wife, Mother, Liar almost gave me whiplash at the end! Seriously, I did not see that coming at all! What a wild ride full of secrets, lies, accusations, and twists! My head is still spinning from this roller coaster ride!

Jill and Wendy have been friends and neighbors for a long time. They have shared meals, shared confidences, and watched their children go from babies to teenagers. They have had many good times together until one heartbreaking night when their children went to prom together and only one came home alive. No parent wants to bury their child. No parent wants to have their child be questioned. Tragedy affects relationships and in Wife, Mother, Liar, Jill and Wendy have decided to get together for another girls weekend.

This is the 8th book that I have read by Sue Watson! I know I can always count on her to deliver clever, well thought out, riveting, and twisted psychological thrillers. She delivered yet again with Wife, Mother, Liar! Just when I thought I had a handle on things and knew how things were going to turn out, she blind sighted me with another mind blowing and shocking twist.

I loved the drama, the tension, the hostility, the grudges, and the secrets! I also enjoyed how both women were presented. I could not help but feel for the mother who lost her child and still hoped to get answers. At the same time, I felt for the mother who was protecting her child from finger pointing. This book was like being on a child's teeter totter at times and on a roller coaster at other times.

Then there is the shock factor. I was shocked more than once while reading this book. I couldn't help but think: "how very clever of you, Sue Watson!" Fans of psychological thrillers will enjoy this book. I felt a bevy of emotions while reading this book. I love it when a book causes me to feel and to think. This did both. Mainly, it entertained, left my jaw hanging open, and kept my finger turning the pages.

I can't wait to read what Sue Watson writes next!

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wife, Mother, Liar had its moments, but overall it wasn’t my favorite. The story was hard to get into, and some parts felt pretty slow. That said, a few twists were interesting and kept me reading. It’s not a book I’d rush to recommend, but if you stick with it, there’s enough to keep you curious.

4.5 stars!

This plot was so twisty and I was living for it! I couldn’t figure out who was telling the truth as they were both hiding things! I loved how they each had their own agenda. When they say a mother will do anything for her child, they aren’t kidding!!! I honestly couldn’t predict what happened to Leo…. I had my money on one character but it wasn’t them haha.
When all was revealed I was impressed at how intricate the story was! I couldn’t believe it! That web was impressive!!!
Half a star was lost because of all the bickering between the two “friends”, while I understand it was for character/plot building it was just too much. I could have done without that whole tea/wine bit.
I’ve never read this author and I certainly won’t be my last! I genuinely loved how twisty the plot got!!!

Jill and Wendy probably would never have become friends if they didn't happen to be next door neighbours. Jill is quite straight-laced and principled, Wendy is a fun loving party girl who people instinctively warm to. Jill would love to be like Wendy in many ways, despite her not approving of how she runs her household or parents her children. Their husbands, Tim and Robert, are also very different beings. Tim loves a pint and a party, much like Wendy, whereas Robert is a doctor with Medicines Sans Frontieres and travels all over the world, rarely at home to support Wendy in bringing up their 3 children.

Sadly Jill lost her son Leo at 16 years of age on the night of his high school prom. Ever since that night Jill has endeavoured to find out who was responsible for his death - she doesn't believe it was an accident as decided by the authorities at the time. And, as Leo attended prom with Wendy's daughter Olivia, she is convinced the Jones family know more than they're letting on. But there again she's aggressively questioned many people in her quest to find out more so they shouldn't take it personally should they?

The bulk of this book takes place in Wales, at a remote cottage near where Leo went on a stargazing trip with his schoolmates. Jill wants to feel close to him, and invites Wendy along to try to heal the rift which has formed between them since Leo's death. The atmosphere is understandably strained as the two women clumsily try to get back what they've lost in their friendship. What follows is a rollercoaster of emotions as twenty years of friendship, jealousies and mistrust between the women come to a head.
I never expected some of the bombshells which were eventually dropped as the ladies came clean about some of the feelings they had experienced and events which had happened which the other was unaware of. As they say, you never do really know someone completely.

Although the story slows in places and not all the attempted red herrings are particularly strong or relevant in the grand scheme of things, I found this to be an engaging read and my heart broke for poor Leo on what should have been a much happier experience of his school leavers' prom.

Families, eh? you can't choose 'em!

This author for me is hit-or -miss, but I liked the cover and the title intrigued me. It was kind of a slow start, but then around the 65% mark, things started picking up. Once you get to the twist, it all comes together nicely and makes the book more enjoyable. I just wish the first half of the book was more entertaining. 3 solid stars.

Another great book by Sue Watson. Jill and Wendy were neighbours, and good friends, sharing much of their lives with each other while bringing up their children. Everything changes on the night of their now teenagers prom. Leo and Olivia both set off to the prom, but only Olivia returns home. Jill wants to know what happened to her son, and feels that Wendy is keeping things from her in order to somehow protect Olivia. Marriages are affected, and both women feel that they need some answers. The two decide to have a weekend away, but both have their own reasons for agreeing.
This domestic thriller kept me engrossed until the last page. A roller coaster of a read.

Loved this book and can't believe it's the first one I've read by this author. Glad I was on holiday when I read this as I literally read it in one day on the beach!

Jill's only child, Leo, tragically dies under suspicious circumstance at the school prom and his body is found in the water. Jill is trying to find out exactly what happened and felt her neighbour, Wendy, and her daughter, Olivia, know far more than they are saying.

Jill arranges a weekend in Wales with Wendy but has an ulterior motive from her, which is to get some answers as to what actually took place that night.

Lots of twists and turns

A story of two best friends raising their children together turns into a whirlwind of murder, lies and secrets. This book was addictive from the get go, every time i went to put the book down something happened to i just HAD to keep reading.

The twists and turns in the second half of this book had my jaw on the floor, every time i thought i knew what happened another spanner got thrown in the works. I loved the dual pov, it really helped to increase the tension and awkwardness between Jill and Wendy even further.

I absolutely love an unreliable narrator and these two proved again and again just how unreliable they are. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, any psychological thriller readers out there will eat this up. Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy.

Wendy and Jill have been friends for many years. As young newlyweds, they watched their families grow and eventually their teenagers went off to prom together. Sadly, only one made it home alive. In the aftermath, marriages ended and families were torn apart. As a last attempt to mend the friendship the two women took a weekend trip together that ended in disaster.
NOTHING in this book is what it seems on the surface! So many mysteries and twists that at times it seemed unfathomable.

Messy friendships, unhealed wounds, and a relentless search for the truth.

Wife, Mother, Liar delves deep into the complexities of grief and the toll it takes on a mother’s mind. Jill is a woman shattered by the loss of her husband and son. As she struggles to navigate her pain, her tenuous grasp on reality begins to falter, leaving everyone (and us!) questioning her perceptions. She teeters on the edge of despair and paranoia, grappling with the dual betrayals of her past and her obsessive need to find someone—anyone—to blame for her son’s death.

At its heart, the book is about how messy friendships can become, particularly when layered with unresolved feelings and hidden betrayals.

As Jill’s grip on reality loosens, the lines between guilt and paranoia start to blur, creating a great psychological suspense vibe; add to that the dynamic between Jill and Wendy, told through alternating POV chapters, which adds layers of tension.

Though the book doesn't particularly call out to me as ‘wow! A new favourite!’ I think it’s still a worthwhile read and enjoyed the darker elements/scenes that the author included.