The Ex-Husband

2.5 Rounded to 2

I had such a hard time finishing this one. I almost DNFd a few times but decided I was just going to finish it. If it wasn't for the narrator I probably would have as that is the only thing I enjoyed about this one.

This is an extremely slow and boring read, not to mention completely predictable. I think these types of domestic “thrillers/suspense” just aren't my thing.

Karmic Suspense At Sea. This book is a mystery/ suspense set partly in the UK and partly (or pretty well fully, in its back half) at sea mostly in the Caribbean and even one Alaska season. The dual timeline approach is used here to show the suspense of someone stalking our narrator with information she doesn't want known and which they shouldn't have in the present timeline, with the second timeline being “18 months ago” when her world came crashing down. Except that the 18 months ago timeline is filled at least as much with the entire backstory of how she got to that point as well. This tale is an interesting blend of both cruising and yachting, which are very different experiences. Even though the largest megayachts (such as the Azzam) and the smaller cruise ships (such as Windstar Cruise Lines' Wind Surf) are roughly the same size, with cruising you're usually with a few hundred (at least, it can be closer to 5,000+) strangers + up to 2,000 or so crew members whereas with yachting you're usually with no more than a few dozen people you're at least tangentially associated with - even if only through a common acquaintance - and no more than a hundred or so staff. Also, the onboard experience of a cruise tends to be more akin to a perma-mall/ theme park on a cruise vs a much more exclusive, bespoke experience on a yacht. (Think of the difference of going to say Disney World vs what happens on Bravo's Below Deck shows, for example.) Still, Hamilton actually does a good job showing how similar yet different each of these are, even as she weaves a tale of con artistry and karmic suspense through both facets of sea-travel experience. Very much recommended.

This was a gripping thriller set aboard a luxury cruise ship and yacht, travelling to exotic locations; a perfect summer read.

Charlotte and Sam were partners in both life and crime. Working the cruise ships they would seek out wealthy passengers who they would target and steal from. However, nothing lasts forever and Charlotte finds herself estranged from her husband and trying to lead a more honest life. When out of the blue Sam goes missing, presumed dead and Charlotte starts to receive threatening messages. Her past is coming back to haunt her and Charlotte knows she must discover where Sam is and what has happened to him, as well as avoid her stalker, who is becoming more and more menacing.

This was a great cat and mouse chase where the protagonist cannot and shouldn't trust anyone. The novel picks up pace as Charlotte's stalker becomes more desperate and volatile. The mystery behind Sam's disappearance was a great sub-plot and was very intriguing. I loved the dual timeline: Now and Then, which allowed you to see how devious the pair were and the consequences they faced afterwards. I adored the setting: crystal clear waters and sunshine, what a perfect backdrop and juxtaposition to the thrilling plot. Lots of twists and surprises throughout, but especially the ending, which I have to say was very fitting. An enjoyable read which kept me reading until the small hours of the night.