The Third Wife

by Lisa Jewell

published by Atria Books

June 9, 2015

I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher through net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

I jumped at the chance to review the newest Lisa Jewell Book, The Third Wife.  I haven’t read that much by the author, but I loved The House We Grew Up In so much that I had to read her newest, and I was very excited to receive it through net Galley.  It was one of those magical times where you accept a book for review (or you are accepted) and you love it!  I raised this book in about 7 hours- taking time out for “life” and I was sad to put it down, though very satisfied.

The story centers around Adrian and his large extended family as they deal with the loss of his third wife, Maya.  Adrian has two, mostly grown children with his first wife Susie, and three young children with his second wife, Caroline.  Along with Maya, this family has seemingly embraced their large non traditional life.  When Maya is hit by a bus, Adrian is immersed in grief.  Almost a year goes by before a chance encounter forces him to take a really close look at Maya’s death and his family.

I really don’t want to give anymore into since this story unfolds perfectly.  I though Jewell did a wonderful job here creating a family that seems so perfect until you start looking closer.  I loved the pace- not too fast or too slow.  Adrian is an interesting character, and the reader has a chance to actually see him grow and come to certain painful realizations.  This is a great- very fast – read, and I would definitely recommend it.

Summary

In the early hours of an April morning, Maya stumbles into the path of an oncoming bus.

A tragic accident? Or suicide?

Her grief-stricken husband, Adrian, is determined to find out.

Maya had a job she enjoyed; she had friends. They’d been in love.

She even got on with his two previous wives and their children. In fact, they’d all been one big happy family.

But before long Adrian starts to identify the dark cracks in his perfect life.
Because everyone has secrets.
And secrets have consequences.
Some of which can be devastating.