Hamilton opens up with a prologue from the past that introduces us to Charlotte, an employee on a cruise ship. She's waiting in line at customs clearance, with her husband Sam, but they get separated. And it's Charlotte's suitcase that has a passenger's missing necklace in it..
The timeline switches to the present. Charlotte has rebuilt her life - without Sam. They've had no contact, so she is quite surprised to hear from him. Sam tells her to be careful. It looks like their past is going to catch up with them - he's been threatened and wants to warn Charlotte to be careful. So, when she is offered a job on a private yacht is seem like the right time to be on a boat on the sea. Unless, of course, danger follows her.....
Hamilton unspools her tale in a past and present format. I always enjoy this method of storytelling. The reader becomes aware of whose lives crossed paths with Sam and Charlotte and the how and why. So, in present day, there are many choices for the person seeking retribution. I also liked the 'locked room' setting with all of the suspects in one place.
I felt like I should be behind Charlotte - but couldn't convince myself to like her. Perhaps because I did become aware of her past - and her skill sets.
The run up to the final pages is a bit of a slow burn. The ending requires a few grains of salt, but certainly isn't beyond the possible. You know what they say about leopards and spots...
Domestic suspense fans will enjoy this one. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Ex-Husband.
I just read a thriller about another type of husband - The Guilty Husband. The book overall was just so-so, like yours, but entertaining nevertheless.
ReplyDeleteHey Harvee - there's quite a few books with wife or husband in the title aren't there?! Good escape reading...
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