The chapters are arranged by years, which gives the story a clear timeline even when the narration moves in unexpected ways. This structure builds suspense, slowly reveals backstory, and shows how past choices ripple into the present. Despite the slower pace, I loved it so much that I’m giving it a solid 5 ⭐.
This is the story of Wendy and Thomas Graves, childhood sweethearts who grow into a troubled husband and wife. They seem destined to be together, but from the start I was intrigued. I wanted to understand why Wendy remained so deeply tied to Thom despite his infidelity and drinking problem. As the years pass, their true colors surface, and the tension deepens.
For much of their marriage, Wendy only knew Thom was working on a mystery novel. When she discovers that his book involves a murder, it shakes her to the core. A story the world was never meant to know. Told in reverse, the narrative lets us peel back the layers of their relationship, with Wendy secretly imagining what life would be like if Thom died naturally. Dark as it sounds, there is a sharp humor in those private fantasies, because sometimes we do kill people in our heads. 😅
The ending was outstanding and gave me the answers I was waiting for. Having read Peter Swanson before, I can say this is another brilliant example of his gripping style. I also enjoyed the book and movie references scattered throughout, which made me want to check out a few myself.