Book Review: The Ex-Husband

Title: The Ex-Husband

Author: Karen Hamilton

ISBN: 978 1 4722 7939 2

Publisher: Wildfire / Headline Publishing

Pages: 355

Source: Review copy from Jonathan Ball Publisher

Charlotte and Sam were partners. In life, and in crime. They never stole from anyone who couldn’t afford it. Wealthy clients, luxury cruise ships. It was easy money, and harmless. At least, that’s what Charlotte told herself, until the world caved in on her.

But now, years after she tried to put that past life behind her, it comes rushing back when her estranged ex-husband Sam suddenly goes missing – and someone threatens to expose what they did.

Desperate to escape whoever is tormenting her, Charlotte takes a job as events planner for an engagement party onboard a superyacht in the Caribbean. For a while, her plan seems to have worked, nothing but open ocean and clear skies ahead. Until it becomes clear that she’s no longer a thousand miles away from harm.

Because whoever is behind it all is onboard too. And now there’s nowhere left to run.

Official Summary

17 December 2021

Get ready to be thrilled when you reach for this book. A life of luxury drips off these pages sharing only the very best life has to offer with you as you flip the pages, escaping to exotic destinations. This is the perfect holiday read.

As an introduction to Karen Hamilton’s writing, I found this book quickly intrigued me as the author tells her story with chapters from then and now. She includes a lot of scenic descriptions allowing you to “see” what her characters see. The story keeps you guessing right to the end making it hard to walk away from this book once you started.

Sam was everything Charlotte dreamed of in a partner, so it was easy for him to draw her into a life of crime. But they never hurt anyone, and they only stole from those who could afford it. At least that is what Charlotte tells herself.

Years later, when Sam goes missing, Charlotte starts receiving threats which leave her looking over her shoulder. In an attempt to escape, she accepts a job as a party coordinator on a superyacht in the Caribbean. Just when she believes that she has left her tormentor behind, the threats start up again and she discovers that whoever is threatening her, is onboard the yacht with her. With nowhere to hide, she is forced to find out who is behind the treats, but who can she turn to for help as the threats increase and her life is on the line?

When I started reading this book, I was not sure what to expect. The first few chapters are a little on the slow side and I found myself forced to focus to keep up with the then and now pieces of the story. But by the time I reached the halfway mark I found it almost impossible to walk away from this book. The second half is fast passed with lots happening. I was drawn in by the characters as well as the scenery making this an exciting read.

Charlotte is young and naïve. You are drawn to her as you realise how easily she is influenced by Sam. She is in love, so you understand and excuse her behaviour. Yet as the story unfolds it becomes evident that Charlotte is maybe not as innocent as you originally thought. This feisty character crawls in under your skin and you cannot help but love her.

Despite the slow start, I have to say that I loved this book. It is a thrilling, sinister read that will leave you hooked. The beautiful settings and luxury that drips off the pages keep you gripped. This is a fabulous, dark tale that will leave you wishing for more.

Thriller fans who enjoy a story full of threats will love this book. I highly recommend this book. I cannot wait to read more of this author’s work. I will have to add her to my TBR for 2022.

About the Author

Bio from the author’s site

I caught the travel bug after an early childhood spent abroad (Angola, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Belgium and Italy) and have worked as cabin crew for a major airline. In 2006, my husband and I put down roots in Hampshire and four years ago, I gave up flying to raise our three sons and concentrate on my writing. Now that they are a little older, I’ve begun travelling again (as and when it’s possible) and enjoy exploring places through their fresh eyes.

Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishing for this review copy. I will always prefer reading a hard copy book, nothing beats the smell and feel of a book in your hand. I loved this title and I look forward to reading more of Karen Hamilton’s books. Are you a fan? Which is your favourite? Leave a comment below and I will add it to my TBR for 2022.

As always, thank you for visiting the blog, your support is hugely appreciated. I don’t doubt you will find this to be a thrilling read. Until next time… Happy Reading!