Title: The Innocent Wife
Author: Lisa Regan
Series: Detective Josie Quinn #16
Release Date: December 12, 2022
Length: 394 pages
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Publisher: Bookouture
**** My Review ****
When it comes to books, everyone has their favorite genre. Some like romance novels, and others like psychological books. Some people prefer poetry. Some prefer to read classics, while others would rather enjoy modern bestsellers. In any case, the literary offer is so diverse and rich that there is something for everyone.
All those who read my reviews already know that I am a romantic at heart. I simply enjoy heart-warming love stories, filled with swoon-worthy and funny moments. Reading them relaxes me and brings warmth to my soul. But now and then, I decide to put on my ‘big girl’s pants ‘, get out of my comfort zone, and read a ‘real’ book (my best friend’s words). This time I chose The Innocent Wife – a real book.
And that real book kept me awake and made me want to join the investigation and follow the clues. I was trying to solve the riddles and expose the culprit. The culprit that destroyed the idyllic image of eternal love, support, and understanding. What was supposed to be a grand celebration of love turned into the biggest nightmare… The greatest pain was felt by our main character Beau after the brutal murder of his beloved wife Claudia. The pain tears him apart. And the words stuck on the border between the possible and the impossible reveal truths that increasingly confuse the investigators – Josie and her team. The truth is hidden between the pieces of the puzzle they are trying to solve. And each new piece reveals horrendous secrets and truths that cause even more pain. They discover piece by piece, unveil hidden truths while bodies pile up, and no suspect in light. How many people have to die for the game to be completed? Who dictates the rules in this monstrous game?
The interesting title immediately attracted me. This book was part of a series, but I honestly had no problem following the story, even though I haven’t read the previous parts. In the end, I regretted not having read them. The characters are so well-developed, you just feel like you know them. What amazed me is that there were no pompous descriptions of the characters’ physiques, but rather subtle ones, to allow the reader to create their images.
The storyline is intriguing and exciting. “The Innocent Wife” begins very interestingly and from the very prologue, the author manages to intrigue you and draw you into the story. Through the pages, we get to know the police investigation of a serial killer, whose target are the people close to the main character Beau. In places, it seemed to me that there were too many descriptions and details. After devouring the book, I realized that they were not unnecessary, but at times they bothered me because I wanted to find out as soon as possible what will happen next. The more you read, the more you get into this mysterious, twisted, and utterly riveting story and you get a sense of desperation to find out what happens next as soon as possible. The author masterfully guides the readers through the story at breakneck speed, and just when you think you finally have everything clear, suddenly a dizzying turn… Uncertainty until the very end…
This is a book that has all the qualities of a fabulous crime thriller: an interesting story and characters, mystery, a sense of suspense, intrigue, tension, and an interesting realistic writing style. The story is about a serial killer and the murders are very detailed and expertly explained, so it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
And the romantic in me can’t help but mention those few romantic scenes and some sentences between Josie and Noah. An incredible connection and sizzling chemistry just dripped from the pages where these characters were alone in their world. A world of honesty, support, and love that adorns their everyday lives.
If you are familiar with this series, I am sure that you would not have missed the latest incredible installment of the Josie Quinn series. “The Innocent Wife” is a luxury for the soul of all lovers of crime dramas/thrillers, but also in general for all readers who are eager for a great piece of literature full of suspense until the last sentence. My most sincere and warmest recommendation!