The Dead Wife by Sue Fortin

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Dates Read: 7/2/22 - 7/4/22

    Elizabeth Sinclair, the wife of charismatic entrepreneur Harry Sinclair, was found drowned in the lake of their family's holiday park. Police have closed the case, ruling out any suspicious circumstances. However, two years later, reporter Steph Durham receives a tipoff that suggests Elizabeth's death was not an accident.

    Curious and determined to uncover the truth, Steph delves into the secretive Sinclair family's history. As she gets closer to the shocking truth behind Elizabeth's demise, she realizes that the answers come at a dangerous cost, and the Sinclair family's secrets may be more deadly than she ever imagined.

    While I found the book to be good overall, I must admit that I guessed the ending quite early on, which took away some of the suspense for me. However, I thoroughly enjoyed Fortin's writing style, which was simple yet gripping, instantly drawing me into the mystery. The sense of claustrophobia, with the protagonist feeling somewhat disconnected from the local surroundings, added an intriguing dimension to the story. The constant question of who Steph could trust kept me on my toes throughout the read.

    Steph, as a character, was well-developed and compelling. The beautiful writing and well-structured plot kept me engaged, and I found myself immersed in this enigmatic tale, never quite knowing whom or what to believe. The array of characters was diverse, with some being likable, others hateful, and a few leaving me undecided. Steph's bravery was commendable as she faced hair-raising moments in her quest for the truth. The story unfolded gradually, offering different angles to explore and consider. I couldn't put the book down, as it continuously held my attention. In the end, despite guessing the outcome early on, I still found the book to be engrossing and exciting.