The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica

Rating: ★★★★✰

Dates Read: 5/3/23 - 5/4/23

    Sadie and Will Foust move to a quiet Maine town with their family, seeking a fresh start. However, their peaceful life is shattered when their neighbor, Morgan Baines, is found dead. As suspicion falls on the newcomers, Sadie becomes entangled in the mystery surrounding Mrs. Baines' death. But delving deeper into the secrets of her late neighbor puts Sadie's own life at risk, and she must be cautious about what she uncovers. The more she digs, the more she realizes that the truth could have devastating consequences for her and her family.

    "The Other Mrs." encompasses all the quintessential elements of a psychological thriller, boasting a complex narrative with unlikeable and unreliable narrators, a multitude of suspects, and a plethora of unexpected twists. Protagonist Sadie grapples with memory issues and a propensity to attribute blame, even towards her own children, leading her to question her husband Will's possible involvement in their neighbor Morgan's death or if Morgan's husband may be the culprit. Complicating matters is Camille, an unsettling stalker fixated on Will and intent on becoming his wife. The story delves into the dynamics of a blended family, as Mouse's widowed father enters a tumultuous marriage with a challenging woman. Against an atmospheric backdrop, replete with intrigue, secrets, and psychological complexities, the novel masterfully sustains suspense and tension, ensuring readers remain engaged until its conclusion, although a certain suspension of disbelief is required. Mary Kubica adeptly crafts a dark and gripping thriller that will appeal to aficionados of the genre. Sadie's character wasn't exactly likable. Her actions often bordered on the bizarre, leaving me perplexed and shaking my head.

    I had somewhat of an idea for the majority of the twists, but overall, I was absolutely baffled at the end. I will definitely be reading more from Mary Kubica!