The Wives

A Domestic Thriller

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Pub Date Dec 30 2019 | Archive Date Dec 31 2019

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Description

Imagine that your husband has two other wives.


You’ve never met the other wives. None of you know each other, and because of this unconventional arrangement, you can see your husband only one day a week. But you love him so much you don’t care. Or at least that’s what you’ve told yourself.

But one day, while you’re doing laundry, you find a scrap of paper in his pocket—an appointment reminder for a woman named Hannah, and you just know it’s another of the wives.

You thought you were fine with your arrangement, but you can’t help yourself: you track her down, and, under false pretenses, you strike up a friendship. Hannah has no idea who you really are. Then, Hannah starts showing up to your coffee dates with telltale bruises, and you realize she’s being abused by her husband. Who, of course, is also your husband. But you’ve never known him to be violent, ever.

Who exactly is your husband, and how far would you go to find the truth? Would you risk your own life?

And who is his mysterious third wife?


About the author: Tarryn Fisher is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of nine novels. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, she immigrated to America with her parents at the age of thirteen. She spent the next eighteen years in South Florida, where she earned her degree in Psychology. A sun hater, she currently makes her home in Seattle, Washington, with her children, husband and psychotic husky. Tarryn writers about villains and loves connecting with her readers on Instagram (@TarrynFisher, 58k followers). Visit her at TarrynFisher.com for more information, or check out her fashion blog at GuiseOfTheVillain.com. Tarryn is a Slytherin.

Imagine that your husband has two other wives.


You’ve never met the other wives. None of you know each other, and because of this unconventional arrangement, you can see your husband only one day a...


Advance Praise

You’ll have whiplash until the very end. The Wives will leave the most sure-footed reader uneasy until the last word is read.” -Colleen Hoover, New York Times

“I couldn’t put it down once I opened the page. Nail-biting, heart-clenchingly good from the start, with characters that you both root and cringe for. I loved every word. Six stars.” -Alessandra Torre, New York Times bestselling author of The Ghostwriter

“Fisher is a slick writer who keeps a tight rein on her lightning-fast plot, and the lengths that her feisty narrator goes to in order to reclaim her life make for salaciously satisfying reading…a writer to watch.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Fisher smoothly inserts moments of self-doubt, longing, paranoia, and triumph into her unsettling narrative as she draws the reader into Thursday’s conflicted and increasingly complicated life. Suspense fans will be rewarded.”—Publishers Weekly

You’ll have whiplash until the very end. The Wives will leave the most sure-footed reader uneasy until the last word is read.” -Colleen Hoover, New York Times

“I couldn’t put it down once I opened...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781525809781
PRICE $18.99 (USD)
PAGES 352

Average rating from 488 members


Featured Reviews

Thank you #netgalley for taking away my entire weekend! The Wives was a creepy, suburban thriller that kept me guessing throughout the book. I"m going to give this book 4 starts- it kept me interested and I didn't see that ending at all. Also love reading a book about my home town, Seattle.

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WOW! This is a thrilling and original read! Tarryn Fisher SLAYED this novel and entrapped me with her words. I absolutely loved it. If you are looking for something dark, filled with tension, and unputtdownable this is a novel you MUST have!

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The wives in Tarryn Fisher’s domestic thriller know that each other exist, but in this polygamous relationship, they have decided to never meet...or, Seth decided that they should never meet. Our main character, the second wife, gets to spend Thursdays with Seth and tries to convince herself that it is enough. When it was just her and wife number one, it was easier; but now that wife number three has come along, she struggles with jealousy and trying to one-up the others by being the best wife. She’ll be the most low-maintenance, the most caring, the best at homemaking, the most generous lover – all without letting on that she knows it’s a competition. It was enough until she accidentally uncovers the name of the third wife and then goes searching for Hannah. What she learns makes her question her relationship with Seth, the kind of man he is, and the relationship she is in.

Writing a good summary and review of this book without divulging secrets is a complicated affair, so all I can say is to be careful of which character's story you trust – it’s a complicated path that leads to the truth. I also hope you’re able to put this book down and get more sleep than I did! It has definitely been one of my favorite mystery/thrillers of the year.

I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of #TheWives

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The description of The wives by Tarryn Fisher caught my attention and I just had to read this one. I have to say I was not disappointed and was hooked from the start. Great story for all to read!!!!

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This story has so many twists and turns that you will not want to put it down until you turn the last page! This psychological thriller begins on a Thursday with the main character waiting for her husband to come by for a visit. Thursday is her day because she has to share her husband with two other wives that she has never met. Asking questions about the other wives is not allowed. After one such visit from her husband, she discovers a piece of paper in his pants pocket that gives her a clue about the identify of one of the other wives. She begins to try to find out who she is and even goes so far as to meet her. From this point on, the story will have you hooked with all of the discoveries she makes and as more elements of the story come to light. This book is a must read!

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Such an addictive read!!!! Tarryn Fisher is a master at twisty turny tales that keep you up way past your bedtime, but The Wives could quite possibly be my favorite from her yet! The concept of polygamy has always confused me at the same time piqued my curiosity, but strangely enough, I’ve never read a novel based on the topic. Tarryn Fisher has taken this taboo subject and created a jarring, creepy, and mind blowing storyline that will surprise even the most avid mystery/thriller fans! The Wives is a complete 5 star novel and after finishing I realized it’s release date is December 30th and my first thought was they saved the best for last!! This may be the last book you one-click in 2019, but it will most definitely not be a novel you will ever forget! I highly recommend The Wives- a true must read!

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Many thanks to Harlequin/Graydon House & Netgalley for a review copy.

It's no secret I'm a huge Tarryn Fisher fan and The Wives was among my most highly anticipated releases for 2019. I could hardly contain my excitement when I saw I had the chance to read it early! I tossed my TBR to the wind and got started.

This will be among one of the most difficult books to review, simply because I want to be exceptionally careful about the details I reveal. The idea of spoiling this book in the least for someone would be a huge injustice.

First, I have to say, upon finishing this book I was utterly speechless. I have never had my mind blown in such an unbelievable way by a book prior to reading The Wives. I know Tarryn is known for twisty endings, having read all of her books, but I could never have predicted what was to come with this story. As I clicked the "I'm finished with this book" button on Goodreads, I had a moment of uncertainty. I did not know how to rate this novel. I had to wrack my brain for any plot holes or things I might have missed to give an indication the book would end in the way it did. I wondered if I was satisfied with the conclusion or simply impressed by the unpredictability. As I've reflected upon the book, I realized I could give it no less than five stars. This is Tarryn Fisher's best work. The writing is clear and concise with no wasted words. Every moment is used in propelling the story forward, growing the characters, or revealing an important plot point.

Clearly, the main purpose of this story is shock and awe in the end, which is unquestionably achieved, but the book as a whole is a page-turner. My attention was grabbed from the very first page, and I desperately needed to know what would be following. I felt the main character's compulsive need for explanations and the desperation of her situation. I never knew what was going to happen next, which is a huge feat for this genre. I anxiously turned the pages until one in the morning, needing my own questions answered.

Yet, I'm not one hundred percent sure I loved the ending of this story, but I'm impressed by it nonetheless. I had hoped things might work out a little differently. However, I immediately wanted to turn back to the beginning and start over the moment I finished. Any book that absorbs me in such a manner has to receive my highest recommendation and rating.

Well done, Tarryn.

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5 STARS for this one. Absolutely riveting and gripping and had me feeling absolutely crazy and loving it. I. Lost it. I don’t know how she was able to write this without losing it, too?

This was another one of Tarryn Fisher’s raw, and totally relatable (and totally unpredictable) heroines and love stories, but she did it again. One of her VERY best EVER. I loved it from start to finish. Hooked me from the very first paragraph, and fed me the whole way through. I sucked it down, hungry for more, and it gave and it gave.

My full review on my blog: https://www.maryse.net/books/book-review-the-wives-by-tarryn-fisher.html

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Thursday waits each week for Thursday, the day her husband Seth visits her in their condo in Seattle. She only gets one day a week because her husband has two other wives. None of his wives know much about the other two--just that they exist. One day Thursday finds a receipt in his pocket and learns the name of his newest wife, Heather, the one expecting a baby. What she finds out about Heather, about Seth, and about his other wife, Regina, sends her reeling and into a very dangerous situation where she can't trust anyone, not even herself.

This is a crazy thrill ride of a book. I could not put it down. Highly recommended for readers of psychological thrillers.

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I love reading about polygamous marriages; they just really intrigue me! Fisher took this concept and made you sympathetic towards the wives and how they must feel on the days when the husband is not with them. I could never understand how a wife could not be jealous of another wife, but I guess that's why I could never do it.

I don't want to give anything about the book away, so I'll just say that this is a fantastic thriller with a new concept; not what we're used to seeing! Enjoy it!

Thanks to Net Galley for the chance to read this book and review it.

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I finished this novel in one sitting! Dark, twisty and emotionally thought provoking i really enjoyed it.

This is a novel that will stay with me

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Have you ever finished a book and then wanted to start it again immediately? I have read very few books that I would start over right away. This book kept me so drawn in and I was scared I would miss something. The writing of this book is incredible. This book was brilliant. Can you tell I liked it? I preordered 3 for some family members and I cannot wait for them to read it so we can discuss it. I also put it on my book club to read list so that everyone can read it. Thank you!!

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Thanks NetGalley and Graydon house for a preview of this book in exchange for a review.
Seth has three wives, referred to as Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. The narrator, Thursday, doesn’t mind because he’s such a catch. She also has a career as a nurse. Then one day she finds a note with a name and date on it in one of Seth’s pockets. That sparks her curiosity and propels the plot at breakneck speed.

That’s all I can reveal because anything else would give away too much – spoiler city.

I’d not read Fisher before, but now I plan to delve into all her past titles. Something very scintillating goes on in that mind of hers. I raced through this book in two days and would highly recommend it to any thriller aficionada. It’s haunting, at times terrifying, but in the end a true thought-provoker.

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Thursday is Seth's wife, but so are Monday and Tuesday. Thursday has never met the other two, and is fine with this arrangement. At least she thinks she is, until she finds a note in Seth's pocket about an appointment with Hannah, one of his other wives. Thursday becomes curious, and seeks Hannah out. She discovers that Hannah's husband leaves bruises on her, but Seth has never done that to Thursday. She wants to help Hannah, and also find Seth's third wife and know what her life with Seth is like. This novel will blow you away!

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The Wives by Tarryn Fisher was my December BOTM pick and first book I’ve read from Tarryn. This was certainly a five star read for me! I loved the unexpected twists. At one point in the book, I felt so confused that I wasn’t even sure I was understanding what was real and what wasn’t. But what I loved the most of all in this book was the emotion behind this domestic suspense book. Tarryn herself describes it best as this “And in this story, I zone in how women emotionally bankrupt themselves for whom they love.” I highly recommend picking up this book if you’re a fan of domestic thrillers / suspense. Now I need to check out all of Tarryn’s other books!

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Twisted! This was so good. It’s been a while since I’ve read a suspense that I actually couldn’t figure out. Back & forth between is she crazy or is she not. A quick read that will have you reading late into the night. 4.5 stars.

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Wow! Is all I can say about this book. I'm not sure if I can really talk about the plot without giving the "twist" away.. but I'm going to try. Thursday and Seth seem to have a great life... the only thing is that she has to share her husband with two other women she hasn't met. Sounds pretty straight forward, right ? It's not. I could not put this book down. I read it on while on vacation with my partner and couldn't stop talking about it with him! You have to read this book. It was fast read and you will not see the surprise coming.. I know I didnt. It's been a week since I read this and I'm still thinking about it!

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So this is my FIRST Tarryn Fisher book.. and good lord.. I am at a loss for words right now. this book was beyond epic. I am not normally a thriller reader but this one just called to me and when I requested it via Netgalley I honestly didn't think I would be getting it but when it showed up I was stunned!!!
Thursday is one of Seth's 3 wives. She has never met the other wives, and she is okay with the arrangement, or at least she that is what she tells herself... that is until she finds a note in one of Seth's pockets.. A note from a dr appt and it has the name Hannah on it.. So this of course peaks her cursioty.. who is Hannah?

This book is a complete mindf**k, and it is a must read... Highly recommend it!!!

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Thursday is known to be a direct woman, but has made certain choices that have silenced her. Though she is defined by her circumstances, she is willing to play her role as a loyal wife until she no longer can. From that point, Thursday begins to piece together all the missing truths and lies.

“It’s all too perfect, I think. When things are that perfect, something is wrong.”

Narrated through Thursday’s perspective, the story unfolds at a steady pace as the routine of her life sets the foundation. However, when Thursday is presented with details about the other wives, her curiosity becomes insatiable leading her down a path she isn’t fully prepared for.

“This is why Seth keeps us apart – so we won’t focus on jealously and each other, but rather on our relationship with him.”

From the start, I had strong feelings about the characters and storyline then I had to recalculate a number of times due to the clever plot and character development. While at the beginning, it seems one way, there are varying factors that progressively erode assumptions.

“We’re all just waiting for someone to stand behind us, aren’t we? Even if it’s just one person, it gives you strength.”

What immediately drew me into Thursday is her vulnerabilities and the brokenness of her spirit. Though she tries to overcome her feelings of inadequacy, she can’t reconcile how she’s come to this place. Her raw emotional state is a powerful catalyst to the decisions she makes. As for Seth, his true colors were evident and I wish I could say more without a spoiler.

The Wives is a page-turning thriller with a layered plot, stimulating prose and challenging characters. This story had me absorbed to the very last page.

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Wow wow wow! This was absolutely amazing! I can’t believe I waited this long to pick up this author. This whole story had me on my toes and it just kept getting better and better. That ending, holy cow.
I think this is the best book I have read all year! INCREDIBLE.

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Wow. Just wow. What in the hell did I just read?! Total mind fuck. I didn't see that twist coming. At. All.

Kudos to Tarryn Fisher for holding me captive from start to finish, in one sitting (this is a feat in itself). Kudos for making me so invested in characters I didn't really like, so much so that I couldn't stop devouring all the words. Kudos for leaving my mind whirling with so many questions, with trying to figure out reality from fantasy/truth from deception, even after turning the last page.

Congrats on writing one fucking hell of a book!

Thank you, Tarryn Fisher for reminding me why I love to read.

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I dont even know what to say about this book. Every chapter I caught myself telling my daughter about the story and how it had a complete hold on me. I always look for books I cant put down and this one went one step further than that for me, I literally couldn't figure out what the hell was going on so I had to OBSESSIVELY read. I loved the twist and turns and was questioning my own sanity at times. I wasn't sure what was real and what I was making up in my head but this was a THRILLING ride and I hope Tarryn writes more in the genre. I am a huge Stephen King fan and this book gave me the same vibes. There is so much want to rage on and on about but since this book is not out yet I feel I shouldn't but I also don't know if anything that I have already said could be looked at as spoilers so I will hide it as such. But if you are looking for a truly original, intriguing story with a super interesting subject matter that turns into one giant mind F**k this is the book for you. Well done, Tarryn, well done

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