Description
HE CHEATED. HE LIED... HE DIED.
Vicki's husband David once promised to love her in sickness and in health. But after a brutal attack left her suffering with epilepsy, he ran away with his mistress. So when Vicki gets a call one day to say that he's missing, her first thought is 'good riddance'. But then the police find evidence suggesting that David is dead. And they think Vicki had something to do with it. What really happened on the night of David's disappearance? And how can Vicki prove her innocence, when she's not even sure of it herself?
Review: 4 Stars
The Dead Ex is a book that I categorize as a light thriller. It doesn't confuse you too much but it does give you a good buzz. The story is presented very well and in an engaging manner. Each character is well developed and interesting enough. The book does leave you with food for thought especially around how we form perceptions, place blame and hold grudges.
The story switches between Scarlet and Vicki and both have equally interesting plot lines. Scarlet is a child and from a timeline perspective it works well to switch between narratives from her and Vicki. About half way in to the book we have another narrator Helen. She does get a mention much earlier in the book but is officially a narrator only half way through. I enjoyed how the connections between these characters were slowly revealed, as a reader you are trying to connect the dots and make some fairly accurate guesses but despite guessing it, the actual reveals are very satisfying. Scarlet's background and story is very interesting but not entirely essential to the main plot. It makes for good reading though so I'm not complaining. Vicki's life is very interesting to read too. The only thing I didn't understand was how the author repeatedly mentioned that epilepsy is taboo, misunderstood and in general mistrusted as a condition. If never heard or seen anything that made me think that this is a true depiction, not sure if it is really like this or was this a little bit or creative liberty that the author took. I appreciated how the author spent time to well establish the characters subtly. Small details about them all through the book made them all more relatable. David was the only character who didn't have much depth. Other than being a slimy and possibly corrupt womanizer his character is pretty unidimensional.
The big reveal at the end makes you wonder for a minute how things would have ended differently for the characters had preconceived notions had been put aside. However given the characteristics of these women, I think one way or the other their lives would end up pretty much where they did. It's almost like the author is telling you that no matter what path each of them took, their final destination was pretty much sealed. Also it seems like justice is being served in some way when Vicki deal with being accused of murdering her ex!
Overall these aspects of the story are very comforting to read especially when you read a thriller. All the loose ends are tied up very neatly and I LOVED the post script.
Overall an entertaining thought provoking read that I would highly recommend.
