The Wife Before
The Wife Before
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Brief
Beta320
Novel • Fiction
•
Horror & Suspense•
Mystery & Crime FictionPresent-day Miami, Florida, and a secluded Colorado mansion, United States.
2022
Dafina
Paperback • 2022
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Struggling after another job setback, Samira Wilder meets wealthy, attentive professional golfer Roland Graham and is swept into a whirlwind romance. She marries him and leaves Miami for his secluded Colorado mansion, hoping to begin again as his second wife. But journals left by Roland’s late wife cast doubt on the marriage—and on the story of her death.
Suspenseful
Mysterious
Challenging
Unnerving
Spicy
Reviews & Readership
60,758 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviewers praise the novel’s suspense, multidimensional heroines, and surprising twists; some found it addictive and engaging despite a slow pace. The sharpest criticism targets its familiar foundation and comparison with Rebecca: Kirkus says it lacks that classic’s atmosphere and nuance. Other reviewers found the journal entries unnatural because they reproduce full dialogue, while one felt the characters were too shallow and the closing chapters dragged. Overall, reactions range from riveting page-turner to underdeveloped thriller.
Who Should Read The Wife Before?
This is a strong pick for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers that mix domestic suspense with romance, sensuality, and modern gothic echoes. It should especially suit fans of layered mysteries, relationship tension, morally complicated characters, and twists that keep changing the reader’s assumptions. Those who value substantial female leads may also appreciate that both central women are portrayed as flawed, strong, and determined. It is particularly well suited to anyone seeking an addictive weekend read with a genuinely surprising conclusion.
60,758 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A renowned, wealthy professional golfer whose whirlwind courtship of Samira leads to marriage and a new life together in Colorado.
Roland’s late first wife, whose journals offer Samira—and the reader—a window into her life and marriage before her death.
Roland’s handsome cousin, whom Samira meets after moving into the Colorado mansion; Melanie’s journals also connect him to her past.
The housekeeper and chef at Roland’s mansion, introduced to Samira as she settles into her new Colorado home.
320
Novel • Fiction
•
Horror & Suspense•
Mystery & Crime FictionPresent-day Miami, Florida, and a secluded Colorado mansion, United States.
2022
Dafina
Paperback • 2022
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!