Beneath the Book Club, let’s talk. What did you think of The Wife Before? I give it a 6.

 By SARA VANDEN BERGE

I listened to April’s book, The Wife Before by Shanora Williams, as an audible and I think that was a bad idea.

The thriller/mystery hops between time frames – from Roland Graham’s marriage to his first wife Melanie, who died under suspicious circumstances, to his second wife Samira.

If I got distracted, and didn’t listen closely, I’d confuse the storylines.

I should have stuck with reading.

Either way, I thought the book was just okay.

The story centers on the out-of-work, going nowhere Samira Wilder who is swept off her feet by Roland, a pro golfer whose success has been clouded by suspicions that he had something to do with Melanie’s death.

After a whirlwind courtship, Samira and Roland marry and move to his old mansion where she discovers Melanie’s journals and uncovers deep secrets.

Samira’s hunt to uncover the truth about Melanie’s death leads to a string of deception among the plot’s main characters and, of course, a surprise ending that was good, but not great.

This book kept me entertained on my morning walks and long drives, but I can’t say I loved it.

What did you think?

1. Would you recommend this book to someone? Why or why not?

I don’t think so.

2. What kind of reader would most enjoy this book?

Someone who likes mysteries and thrillers.

3.  Did you enjoy this author’s writing style?

Yes, but I had to concentrate to keep up with the storyline.

4. Which character did you find the most intriguing?

Melanie. What a nut bag.

5. What was the most satisfying or disappointing part of this story?

The ending. I loved that Samira got her revenge.

6. Rate this book on a scale of 1 to 10.

I give it a 6.