Book Review: The Wife and the Widow
What is it about?
The Wife and the Widow by Christian White is a fast-paced thriller set on a remote, eerie island in Australia. It follows the lives of two women - one, a wife searching for answers after her husband goes missing, and the other, a woman coming to terms with shocking truths about her own family. Told in alternating perspectives, the story gradually reveals a twist that completely changes how you see both characters.
Why it appealed to me?
One of my bookworm friends, someone who’s been an avid fiction reader since childhood gifted this to me and said it was the best crime fiction they’d ever read. That was enough to convince me to give it a shot. I picked it up during a long flight, and I’m so glad I did because those 10 hours flew by. The prologue itself gave me chills. And from chapter one, it felt like a binge-worthy series, each chapter ends on a note that makes you want to keep going, but just as you're hooked, the story switches to the other main character.
I loved how seamlessly the two completely isolated stories were woven together. I found myself saying “just one more chapter” over and over, especially as the twist started to build. And what a twist! It genuinely caught me off guard. The way it was written, so clever, so subtle, keeps you from guessing the climax until the very end. And yes, the ending absolutely delivers. This story made me rethink everything I’d read up to that point, and I couldn’t help but think how different it would feel to re-read it with that new perspective. No wonder my friends raved about it, it truly is a standout crime novel.
Should you read it?
If you enjoy psychological thrillers with strong female leads and an unpredictable twist then its a perfect read for you. It is easy to follow, and keeps your attention from start to finish. Perfect for a weekend read or a travel companion. Even if you’ve read a lot of thrillers, this one will still catch you off guard and that’s what makes it worth it. For me it was a great change from non-fiction types I usually read and I absolutely enjoyed it.