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A review by shealwaysreads
The Wife Who Knew Too Much by Michele Campbell
2.0
"The Wife Who Knew Too Much" by Michelle Campbell is a psychological thriller that navigates the treacherous waters of love, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to protect their secrets. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque New England town, the story follows the lives of two women whose fates become intertwined in ways they could never have anticipated. The novel opens with a gripping premise: a seemingly perfect marriage begins to unravel when hidden truths come to light. The atmospheric setting enhances the tension, offering a beautiful yet sinister canvas that mirrors the characters' internal struggles.
Initially, I found myself completely captivated by Campbell's writing. The first half of the book flows smoothly, with well-developed characters and an intriguing plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. The pacing was just right, allowing for a deep dive into the complexities of the relationships and the backstory of the protagonist. I felt thoroughly invested in the lives of the characters and was eager to uncover the mysteries that lay ahead.
However, as I approached the conclusion, my excitement quickly waned. The ending felt rushed and jumbled, as if the author was trying to tie up loose ends in a hurry. The dialogue in these final chapters was particularly jarring, reminiscent of the awkward performances often seen in TikTok skits. Instead of the tension and drama I had been anticipating, I was met with a lack of authenticity that detracted from the overall impact of the story. It was disheartening to feel such a stark shift in quality after being so engrossed in the narrative.
I have never considered DNFing a novel so close to the finish line, but the conclusion left me feeling frustrated and disappointed. While the premise had so much potential, the execution faltered at a critical moment. For a story that started with such promise, the finale ultimately felt more like a missed opportunity rather than a satisfying resolution.
In summary, "The Wife Who Knew Too Much" boasts a strong start and an engaging premise, but it ultimately falters in its execution, especially in the latter half. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a twist, you might find the early parts of this novel enjoyable, but be prepared for an ending that may leave you feeling more bewildered than fulfilled. I give it 2 stars for the engaging beginning and setting, but the lackluster conclusion and cringe-worthy dialogue were hard to overlook.
Initially, I found myself completely captivated by Campbell's writing. The first half of the book flows smoothly, with well-developed characters and an intriguing plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. The pacing was just right, allowing for a deep dive into the complexities of the relationships and the backstory of the protagonist. I felt thoroughly invested in the lives of the characters and was eager to uncover the mysteries that lay ahead.
However, as I approached the conclusion, my excitement quickly waned. The ending felt rushed and jumbled, as if the author was trying to tie up loose ends in a hurry. The dialogue in these final chapters was particularly jarring, reminiscent of the awkward performances often seen in TikTok skits. Instead of the tension and drama I had been anticipating, I was met with a lack of authenticity that detracted from the overall impact of the story. It was disheartening to feel such a stark shift in quality after being so engrossed in the narrative.
I have never considered DNFing a novel so close to the finish line, but the conclusion left me feeling frustrated and disappointed. While the premise had so much potential, the execution faltered at a critical moment. For a story that started with such promise, the finale ultimately felt more like a missed opportunity rather than a satisfying resolution.
In summary, "The Wife Who Knew Too Much" boasts a strong start and an engaging premise, but it ultimately falters in its execution, especially in the latter half. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a twist, you might find the early parts of this novel enjoyable, but be prepared for an ending that may leave you feeling more bewildered than fulfilled. I give it 2 stars for the engaging beginning and setting, but the lackluster conclusion and cringe-worthy dialogue were hard to overlook.