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The Trophy Wife
His prized possession....his greatest mistake?
From the moment I saw Anne, I knew she was perfect for me.
Her beauty and her social connections would make my miserable life so much better. It didn’t matter that I didn’t love her. I would give her the lifestyle she craved, and she would give me the life I deserved...
But soon my marriage vows were a noose around my neck.
I longed to escape my beautiful, horrible wife.
And then I saw her and I knew there was only one way out�
From the moment I saw Anne, I knew she was perfect for me.
Her beauty and her social connections would make my miserable life so much better. It didn’t matter that I didn’t love her. I would give her the lifestyle she craved, and she would give me the life I deserved...
But soon my marriage vows were a noose around my neck.
I longed to escape my beautiful, horrible wife.
And then I saw her and I knew there was only one way out�
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2023
1,660 people are currently reading
4,245 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Keogh
47books690followersValerie started to write several years ago. She self-published eight crime novels and one psychological thriller before signing a two book contract with Bookouture in March 2018. The first of these, Secrets Between Us, is available now and the second is due in Feb 2019. She is a registered nurse with a degree in English and a Masters in American Literature. Recently she has given up nursing to concentrate on her writing career.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 317 reviews
January 23, 2023
Hoopla listen 🍿3.5 STARS
Narrated by:Elliot Fitzpatrick
Length: 10 hrs and 38 mins
Everyone loved the ending, but I'm not thrilled by it. Maybe I just don't "get it"? 🤷♀�
A bit long, but overall an entertaining, winding tale that leads to a questionable ending (at least for me).
I really disliked Jake, but at times I really felt bad for him too. He played his part well. In his mind, his bank account defines him, which leads to many, many choices that he may come to regret!
A bit of a slow burn, but the right mix of twisty twists to keep me listening (narrator was good). It is engaging, a little salacious, some flimflam stuff, nervously funny at times and some eye-popping scenes. Say what?
I would love to read more from this author! Thanks Jayne for the rec!
Narrated by:Elliot Fitzpatrick
Length: 10 hrs and 38 mins
Everyone loved the ending, but I'm not thrilled by it. Maybe I just don't "get it"? 🤷♀�
A bit long, but overall an entertaining, winding tale that leads to a questionable ending (at least for me).
I really disliked Jake, but at times I really felt bad for him too. He played his part well. In his mind, his bank account defines him, which leads to many, many choices that he may come to regret!
A bit of a slow burn, but the right mix of twisty twists to keep me listening (narrator was good). It is engaging, a little salacious, some flimflam stuff, nervously funny at times and some eye-popping scenes. Say what?
I would love to read more from this author! Thanks Jayne for the rec!
January 9, 2023
This compulsively readable tale of ambition, love, and loss was bold, fresh, powerful, and unputdownable.
And the book's OMG ending?
I did not see it coming.
The book's "impoverished young man driven to do whatever it takes to succeed" theme was very reminiscent of Theodore Dreiser's "An American Tragedy".
Just like Dreiser's protagonist, the protagonist in "The Trophy Wife" was embarrassed about his humble beginnings and lied to his new wealthy friends about his true background.
I listened to the audiobook read by Elliot Fitzpatrick who did an outstanding job with the narration.
5 enthusiastic stars.
And the book's OMG ending?
I did not see it coming.
The book's "impoverished young man driven to do whatever it takes to succeed" theme was very reminiscent of Theodore Dreiser's "An American Tragedy".
Just like Dreiser's protagonist, the protagonist in "The Trophy Wife" was embarrassed about his humble beginnings and lied to his new wealthy friends about his true background.
I listened to the audiobook read by Elliot Fitzpatrick who did an outstanding job with the narration.
5 enthusiastic stars.
November 30, 2022
Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Valerie Keogh for letting me read “The Trophy Wife� in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is my second book by Valerie Keogh. I did enjoy “The Lodger� quite a bit, so I thought, why not try this one.
It took me a while to get into the story.
Jake grew up in a family of low ambitions. His father worked in a factory and never aspired for more. He even looked down on people who wanted to make a better living. Jake gets a full ride to Oxford. His parents are less than excited. So the young lass goes off on his own, trying to make it. He wants more from life than what he grew up with.
Oxford University, that’s where he meets his best friend, Adam. Adam had it all from an early age. The wealthy family, the good upbringing� there is definitely some jealousy on Jakes part. Especially when Adam gets the girl Jake likes. He hopes for a long time it’s nothing serious, but Adam marries Jane, worst possible scenario. Jake decided at some point to fill the void with Adam’s sister, Ann. Beautiful Ann, who he has no feelings for whatsoever. That’s where his live goes straight to hell� the end is bonkers.
My biggest problem was, that the beginning felt really dry. I stand corrected, most of the book felt dry and cold. Not much emotion going on there. Jake just calmly describes, how he got where he is today. That made it hard for me to relate. Especially the part with Jane. I did not feel anything there. I wonder if it was jealousy and not love?! Jake saw her first and decided not to be interested until Adam showed interest in her. Through most of the book I never saw a lot of real emotions, mostly jealousy speaking. I did not feel any real connection between the characters, just opportunity.
I understand the jealousy of Adam and his upbringing, but I doubt the realness of jakes feelings toward Jane. I assume Jake was not meant to be likeable, but nobody else really was. It felt like a disconnected mess for me.
The writing was very one dimensional and the timeline very straight forward. Starting at age 18, we get Jakes whole life in a straight time line, no excitement here. Towards the middle the story picked up a notch, but my interest was already kind of lost.
What I missed was the POV of Ann.Jake was not my favourite.
This is my second book by Valerie Keogh. I did enjoy “The Lodger� quite a bit, so I thought, why not try this one.
It took me a while to get into the story.
Jake grew up in a family of low ambitions. His father worked in a factory and never aspired for more. He even looked down on people who wanted to make a better living. Jake gets a full ride to Oxford. His parents are less than excited. So the young lass goes off on his own, trying to make it. He wants more from life than what he grew up with.
Oxford University, that’s where he meets his best friend, Adam. Adam had it all from an early age. The wealthy family, the good upbringing� there is definitely some jealousy on Jakes part. Especially when Adam gets the girl Jake likes. He hopes for a long time it’s nothing serious, but Adam marries Jane, worst possible scenario. Jake decided at some point to fill the void with Adam’s sister, Ann. Beautiful Ann, who he has no feelings for whatsoever. That’s where his live goes straight to hell� the end is bonkers.
My biggest problem was, that the beginning felt really dry. I stand corrected, most of the book felt dry and cold. Not much emotion going on there. Jake just calmly describes, how he got where he is today. That made it hard for me to relate. Especially the part with Jane. I did not feel anything there. I wonder if it was jealousy and not love?! Jake saw her first and decided not to be interested until Adam showed interest in her. Through most of the book I never saw a lot of real emotions, mostly jealousy speaking. I did not feel any real connection between the characters, just opportunity.
I understand the jealousy of Adam and his upbringing, but I doubt the realness of jakes feelings toward Jane. I assume Jake was not meant to be likeable, but nobody else really was. It felt like a disconnected mess for me.
The writing was very one dimensional and the timeline very straight forward. Starting at age 18, we get Jakes whole life in a straight time line, no excitement here. Towards the middle the story picked up a notch, but my interest was already kind of lost.
What I missed was the POV of Ann.Jake was not my favourite.
July 9, 2023
We might think that Jake is a lucky guy, who escaped the monotone life his parents were planning for him. At 18 he gets admitted to Oxford and runs away from home. After one night in the street, he finds a job with a small accommodation. He meets a friend whose family is welcoming Jake. He gets a good job and makes a lot of money. He buys a good house and marries a beautiful wife.
But deep inside Jake is never happy. His life is based on many lies, envy and hard work. He achieved a lot in his job, but at what price? Was it all worth it?
The plot in the book is well-written and emotions are changing from being proud of Jake to being sorry for him. But maybe it was too much? Yes, life is not fair, but it doesn't mean that all good intentions in it should come to nothing. I would welcome it if the book had a bit more positive moments and a better ending.
But deep inside Jake is never happy. His life is based on many lies, envy and hard work. He achieved a lot in his job, but at what price? Was it all worth it?
The plot in the book is well-written and emotions are changing from being proud of Jake to being sorry for him. But maybe it was too much? Yes, life is not fair, but it doesn't mean that all good intentions in it should come to nothing. I would welcome it if the book had a bit more positive moments and a better ending.
December 30, 2022
"People believe what they want to believe. It makes deception easy."
Well, that was a colossal waste of time and not at all what I was expecting. As appealing as the synopsis sounded, this was an epic fail. The Trophy Wife is told entirely from Jake's point of view, an endless stream of consciousness that was utterly exhausting. Nothing was happening for at least 60% of the book, the plot seemingly nonexistent, as Jake droned on about his troubles. Striving for more, perhaps entertaining 'ideas above his station', Jake was always trying to be something he wasn't. He left home in search of a better life, gaining financial success and finding what he thought was the perfect trophy wife in Ann, his best friend Adam's beautiful sister. They didn't love each other but it didn't really matter because they both got what they wanted out of the relationship, or so they thought.
The narration was cold and devoid of emotion, excruciatingly detailed in describing Jake's life, from the excessive vulgarity of his wealth to his rise and fall as he watched it all crumble down around him. There was an empty desperation as Jake searched for acceptance, aiming for more all while craving some sense of normality. But what is normal, really? How does one find the happiness in life most are looking for?
Jake was in love with Adam's wife, Jane, spinning a tale of jealousy and envy and obsession, setting the stage for so much more than this story turned out to be. Lost in a tangled web of lies, filled with sorrow and regrets, Jake yearned to escape his marriage, thinking he found the perfect solution and he would finally attain the happiness he was looking for. But what I'd hoped would be a thrilling conclusion was undeniably disappointing and anticlimactic. As a reader, I felt manipulated and misled, missing the shocking twist I expected to find. The only reason this didn't become a DNF for me was that I was anticipating more. But, like Jake, all I was left with was hopelessness and despair.
** Special thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Available January 2, 2023. **
Well, that was a colossal waste of time and not at all what I was expecting. As appealing as the synopsis sounded, this was an epic fail. The Trophy Wife is told entirely from Jake's point of view, an endless stream of consciousness that was utterly exhausting. Nothing was happening for at least 60% of the book, the plot seemingly nonexistent, as Jake droned on about his troubles. Striving for more, perhaps entertaining 'ideas above his station', Jake was always trying to be something he wasn't. He left home in search of a better life, gaining financial success and finding what he thought was the perfect trophy wife in Ann, his best friend Adam's beautiful sister. They didn't love each other but it didn't really matter because they both got what they wanted out of the relationship, or so they thought.
The narration was cold and devoid of emotion, excruciatingly detailed in describing Jake's life, from the excessive vulgarity of his wealth to his rise and fall as he watched it all crumble down around him. There was an empty desperation as Jake searched for acceptance, aiming for more all while craving some sense of normality. But what is normal, really? How does one find the happiness in life most are looking for?
Jake was in love with Adam's wife, Jane, spinning a tale of jealousy and envy and obsession, setting the stage for so much more than this story turned out to be. Lost in a tangled web of lies, filled with sorrow and regrets, Jake yearned to escape his marriage, thinking he found the perfect solution and he would finally attain the happiness he was looking for. But what I'd hoped would be a thrilling conclusion was undeniably disappointing and anticlimactic. As a reader, I felt manipulated and misled, missing the shocking twist I expected to find. The only reason this didn't become a DNF for me was that I was anticipating more. But, like Jake, all I was left with was hopelessness and despair.
** Special thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Available January 2, 2023. **
December 8, 2022
Jake Mitchell leaves home at eighteen after finding out that his father wants him to join him at the factory that he works in. Jake wants to leave. He feels stifled at home and he wants to take up the scholarship at Oxford University that his parents are so against too. When he arrives at Oxford, he meets Adam Brett who comes from a rich family and spends his spare time with them whilst studying at Oxford. He has told them that his parents are dead. That later in years comes back to haunt him.
After leaving Oxford Jake becomes and Hedge fund manager whilst Adam becomes a teacher. Adam meets Jane, which then Jake gets jealous of the life he is living and also starts having a massive crush on her. But nothing becomes of it as, Adam and Jane get married.
Jakes career is going really well, and the money is coming in. More than he ever hoped for. But the only thing he is missing is someone to love. Jake meets Adam’s sister Ann who is not really marriage material, more high maintenance but they start seeing each other and eventually marries her. Ann is not the loving kind, only thinking how much money she can spend. But Jakes job at the bank takes a different turn, not for the better and doesn’t know how Ann will react.
Thank you, Boldwood books for an ARC of the Trophy wife. At first this has a slow start but becomes an addictive read regarding Jake doing anything he can to better himself but, not really caring what he did to get to the top. I found him quite a cold person and in two minds whether I liked him or not. But as I also felt sorry for him at the end as I thought he was quite delusional. This has also a lot of twists, especially the ending. 4 stars from me.
After leaving Oxford Jake becomes and Hedge fund manager whilst Adam becomes a teacher. Adam meets Jane, which then Jake gets jealous of the life he is living and also starts having a massive crush on her. But nothing becomes of it as, Adam and Jane get married.
Jakes career is going really well, and the money is coming in. More than he ever hoped for. But the only thing he is missing is someone to love. Jake meets Adam’s sister Ann who is not really marriage material, more high maintenance but they start seeing each other and eventually marries her. Ann is not the loving kind, only thinking how much money she can spend. But Jakes job at the bank takes a different turn, not for the better and doesn’t know how Ann will react.
Thank you, Boldwood books for an ARC of the Trophy wife. At first this has a slow start but becomes an addictive read regarding Jake doing anything he can to better himself but, not really caring what he did to get to the top. I found him quite a cold person and in two minds whether I liked him or not. But as I also felt sorry for him at the end as I thought he was quite delusional. This has also a lot of twists, especially the ending. 4 stars from me.
April 21, 2023
Valerie Keogh returns following and with her latest Gatsby-vibe, moody, gripping, and thought-provoking literary, psychological thriller, THE TROPHY WIFE � one man's tragic journey and cautionary tale.
The "IFs" in life—missed opportunities, extraordinary lives almost lived, and regrets. A life—of lies, secrets, greed, regret, and loss.
A man desperately trying to understand precisely where it went wrong, to pinpoint the moment: when he left home? When he met Adam? Jane? Ann? Or when he discovered the truth about his parents.
Thanks to him, three people have died.
Meet Mr. Jake Mitchell. He grew up in a small and dreary town with small minds and few expectations, including his parent's views.
He applied for a scholarship to the University of Oxford without consulting his parents and forging their names. He was accepted! His future and his dreams suddenly became attainable. He would study business and economics. He would achieve success.
Of course, his parents were not overjoyed and thought he should stay there and work in the factory. He wanted more. He did not desire a life like his parents, with every spark crushed by dull grinding monotony.
His parents even said the day he was leaving—maybe they needed to visit Cornwall, but he knew they would never visit. He would escape. His freedom awaits him, and he leaves without a backward glance.
The hand of fate? Destiny? Where did he go wrong?
Phase One: Parents
Phase Two: Oxford University
Phase Three: Adam
Phase Four: Jane
Phase Five: Ann
Phase Six: The discovery
Phase Seven: Financial ruin | Failing marriage
Phase Eight: Joyce
Phase Nine: Plot to murder wife
Phase Ten: Final Reality
He was on a train to Oxford to get his education—where he met Adam. He wanted everything he had. Adam came from money and privilege. Jake had come to Oxford to find endless possibilities and would not saddle himself with his past. Truth or lie? He chose lies.
He took the metaphorical knife and sliced away his past, saying his parents had died a few years earlier in a car crash and both killed instantly. He did not realize then that his life would become intertwined with Adams� and he would be forced to live a lie forever.
What 18 yr-old thinks of the consequences of his actions? He even believed his own story for a while.
Immersed in his friendship with Adam and taken under the wing of the wealthy parents, Giles and Clara, with old money and class. He even met Adam's sister, the beautiful Ann, that attended Cambridge. She regarded everyone as prey. Not a lot of substance, but beauty.
After a while, it was too late, to tell the truth—he had too much to lose.
After university, not yet thirty, he was hired as a consultant fund manager for one of London's investment banks, making more money than he had thought possible. He was rich. He thought that was enough until he met Jane.
Adam was mesmerized by Jane, a woman he had overlooked. Now it was too late. Adam would soon marry the girl he loved. He made a mistake. He would be happy for his best friend. He would one day be his best man even though he is envious. Just as well—he would need to tell her his secret and that he could not.
He would buy the mansion, the Porche, the designer clothes. Money did make the world go round. Elgin Crescent—Everyone would be envious and give him the needed status. Ten million dollars? He was a fraud.
But then he needed a wife. So he may as well settle with Ann. She is beautiful, and Adam/Jane would be his brother/sister-in-law, and their parents would welcome him. However, Ann was manipulative and scheming and she loved to spend money. He did not love her.
He could be happy, couldn't he? No matter how rich he became, there was his past. If he had confessed, his life might have ended differently.
He does not tell anyone but decides to visit his parent in Bristol after all these years. But when he arrives, things do not go as he planned. He receives a shock that would alter his life. His parents no longer live at 24 Primrose Terrace. It had been seventeen years. He had no idea what had happened after he left. He only sent annual Christmas cards and never heard back.
When faced with this reality, it is more than he can bear. But he cannot discuss this with anyone since he has lied about his past. A loveless marriage and two children later, he made a terrible mistake.
He was a sitting duck for what was to follow.
The economy. A falling marriage. Children are taken care of by nannies. His job and position would soon be ending. His money would be gone. His family would leave.
A ride on the Tube to Charing Cross. A mysterious woman at a table outside Paul's cafe. Her name is Joyce—an artist.
He stopped. Now his life would forever change.
A plan to escape. A plan to kill his wife. Uxoricide. The act of killing one's wife. Stealing from his client's funds. He changed his mind. Too late. They planned to leave. Now she is gone. Nothing is as it appears.
What happens next will BLOW YOUR MIND! How will Jake's life end?
WOW!!! I have so much to say about this book. I had no clue I would love this book so much, but there are pros and cons. My thoughts:
~Firstly, I enjoy the author's writing style. I have recently discovered Valerie Keogh, and this is my fifth book by the author I have read. I appreciate how she leaves readers with something to ponder at the end of each chapter or a summary. I like this and find it very engaging and refreshing. She is also a skilled writer and master storyteller and her books are thought-provoking even though thrillers.
~This was a great story that I enjoyed reading about the life of Jake, as a cautionary tale with lots of plot twists, especially the last part - murder plot, Charing Cross, and after—brilliant!
~The author's writing is very good, and engaging—it lends itself to a more literary feel. By eliminating the current title, cover, and sex scenes, you strip down to the real story.
~The entire time I read, I thought of The Great Gatsby. Jake reminded me so much of Jay Gatsby. His origin, the lies about his past, parents, greed for money, status, secrets, the need for the big house, and the desire for a woman he could not have. Jake, like Jay Gatsby's story, is tragic, and there is much beneath the surface.
In summary, I hope this book gets into the right hands and a reader who appreciates the story and not just another trophy wife book. I urge readers to return to the first chapter after reading the book, which is key.
Looking forward to seeing what is next from this author. I am enjoying reading her backlist!
Thank you to #BoldwoodBooks and #Netgalley for a gifted ARC.
Blog Review Posted @
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Jan 2, 2023
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
The "IFs" in life—missed opportunities, extraordinary lives almost lived, and regrets. A life—of lies, secrets, greed, regret, and loss.
A man desperately trying to understand precisely where it went wrong, to pinpoint the moment: when he left home? When he met Adam? Jane? Ann? Or when he discovered the truth about his parents.
Thanks to him, three people have died.
Meet Mr. Jake Mitchell. He grew up in a small and dreary town with small minds and few expectations, including his parent's views.
He applied for a scholarship to the University of Oxford without consulting his parents and forging their names. He was accepted! His future and his dreams suddenly became attainable. He would study business and economics. He would achieve success.
Of course, his parents were not overjoyed and thought he should stay there and work in the factory. He wanted more. He did not desire a life like his parents, with every spark crushed by dull grinding monotony.
His parents even said the day he was leaving—maybe they needed to visit Cornwall, but he knew they would never visit. He would escape. His freedom awaits him, and he leaves without a backward glance.
The hand of fate? Destiny? Where did he go wrong?
Phase One: Parents
Phase Two: Oxford University
Phase Three: Adam
Phase Four: Jane
Phase Five: Ann
Phase Six: The discovery
Phase Seven: Financial ruin | Failing marriage
Phase Eight: Joyce
Phase Nine: Plot to murder wife
Phase Ten: Final Reality
He was on a train to Oxford to get his education—where he met Adam. He wanted everything he had. Adam came from money and privilege. Jake had come to Oxford to find endless possibilities and would not saddle himself with his past. Truth or lie? He chose lies.
He took the metaphorical knife and sliced away his past, saying his parents had died a few years earlier in a car crash and both killed instantly. He did not realize then that his life would become intertwined with Adams� and he would be forced to live a lie forever.
What 18 yr-old thinks of the consequences of his actions? He even believed his own story for a while.
Immersed in his friendship with Adam and taken under the wing of the wealthy parents, Giles and Clara, with old money and class. He even met Adam's sister, the beautiful Ann, that attended Cambridge. She regarded everyone as prey. Not a lot of substance, but beauty.
After a while, it was too late, to tell the truth—he had too much to lose.
After university, not yet thirty, he was hired as a consultant fund manager for one of London's investment banks, making more money than he had thought possible. He was rich. He thought that was enough until he met Jane.
Adam was mesmerized by Jane, a woman he had overlooked. Now it was too late. Adam would soon marry the girl he loved. He made a mistake. He would be happy for his best friend. He would one day be his best man even though he is envious. Just as well—he would need to tell her his secret and that he could not.
He would buy the mansion, the Porche, the designer clothes. Money did make the world go round. Elgin Crescent—Everyone would be envious and give him the needed status. Ten million dollars? He was a fraud.
But then he needed a wife. So he may as well settle with Ann. She is beautiful, and Adam/Jane would be his brother/sister-in-law, and their parents would welcome him. However, Ann was manipulative and scheming and she loved to spend money. He did not love her.
He could be happy, couldn't he? No matter how rich he became, there was his past. If he had confessed, his life might have ended differently.
He does not tell anyone but decides to visit his parent in Bristol after all these years. But when he arrives, things do not go as he planned. He receives a shock that would alter his life. His parents no longer live at 24 Primrose Terrace. It had been seventeen years. He had no idea what had happened after he left. He only sent annual Christmas cards and never heard back.
When faced with this reality, it is more than he can bear. But he cannot discuss this with anyone since he has lied about his past. A loveless marriage and two children later, he made a terrible mistake.
He was a sitting duck for what was to follow.
The economy. A falling marriage. Children are taken care of by nannies. His job and position would soon be ending. His money would be gone. His family would leave.
A ride on the Tube to Charing Cross. A mysterious woman at a table outside Paul's cafe. Her name is Joyce—an artist.
He stopped. Now his life would forever change.
A plan to escape. A plan to kill his wife. Uxoricide. The act of killing one's wife. Stealing from his client's funds. He changed his mind. Too late. They planned to leave. Now she is gone. Nothing is as it appears.
What happens next will BLOW YOUR MIND! How will Jake's life end?
WOW!!! I have so much to say about this book. I had no clue I would love this book so much, but there are pros and cons. My thoughts:
~Firstly, I enjoy the author's writing style. I have recently discovered Valerie Keogh, and this is my fifth book by the author I have read. I appreciate how she leaves readers with something to ponder at the end of each chapter or a summary. I like this and find it very engaging and refreshing. She is also a skilled writer and master storyteller and her books are thought-provoking even though thrillers.
~This was a great story that I enjoyed reading about the life of Jake, as a cautionary tale with lots of plot twists, especially the last part - murder plot, Charing Cross, and after—brilliant!
~The author's writing is very good, and engaging—it lends itself to a more literary feel. By eliminating the current title, cover, and sex scenes, you strip down to the real story.
~The entire time I read, I thought of The Great Gatsby. Jake reminded me so much of Jay Gatsby. His origin, the lies about his past, parents, greed for money, status, secrets, the need for the big house, and the desire for a woman he could not have. Jake, like Jay Gatsby's story, is tragic, and there is much beneath the surface.
In summary, I hope this book gets into the right hands and a reader who appreciates the story and not just another trophy wife book. I urge readers to return to the first chapter after reading the book, which is key.
Looking forward to seeing what is next from this author. I am enjoying reading her backlist!
Thank you to #BoldwoodBooks and #Netgalley for a gifted ARC.
Blog Review Posted @
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Jan 2, 2023
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
January 16, 2023
More of a character study then a thriller, although there was an ominous feeling throughout. The audio version was good.. Although I rarely agreed with the MC, I enjoyed being in his head & i think the narrator helped with that. Very entertaining!
January 2, 2023
The Trophy Wife by Valerie Keogh - Book Review 4/5
I always enjoy author Valerie Keogh's books. A mind-bending thriller, The Trophy Wife begins slowly and evolves into a shocking forest fire. I thought I had the plot figured out, but I was wrong. This is a book for plot twist enthusiasts.
Synopsis:
As soon as I saw Anne, I knew she was the right match. My unhappiness will be behind me with her as my mate. Anne's bombshell appearance and social interactions will enrich my life. Although I am not in love with her, I will give her the wealth she desires. I will no longer be lonely. She will complete me.
However, my marriage soon threatened to strangle me. Marrying Anne was a horrible mistake. I need to be free from this intolerable situation. My only hope is to find a way out.
January 2nd marks the release date of The Trophy Wife.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for sharing this twisty story with me. Your kindness is appreciated.
#TheTrophyWife #BookandTonic #BoldwoodBooks #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagra #Bookishcom #trending #bestsellingbooks #b #NetGalley #Netgalleyreviewer #Netgalleyreviews
I always enjoy author Valerie Keogh's books. A mind-bending thriller, The Trophy Wife begins slowly and evolves into a shocking forest fire. I thought I had the plot figured out, but I was wrong. This is a book for plot twist enthusiasts.
Synopsis:
As soon as I saw Anne, I knew she was the right match. My unhappiness will be behind me with her as my mate. Anne's bombshell appearance and social interactions will enrich my life. Although I am not in love with her, I will give her the wealth she desires. I will no longer be lonely. She will complete me.
However, my marriage soon threatened to strangle me. Marrying Anne was a horrible mistake. I need to be free from this intolerable situation. My only hope is to find a way out.
January 2nd marks the release date of The Trophy Wife.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for sharing this twisty story with me. Your kindness is appreciated.
#TheTrophyWife #BookandTonic #BoldwoodBooks #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagra #Bookishcom #trending #bestsellingbooks #b #NetGalley #Netgalleyreviewer #Netgalleyreviews
December 3, 2022
�3.5 rounded up
While many reviewers focus on the lack of emotion and doggedly straightforward plot in the first third of the book, I’d like to point out that I saw it as a reflection of the inward struggle and domestic situation of the protagonist. It pulled me in, offered me just enough details to propel me forward, and gave me the needed background to understand the remainder of the story.
In a world where we seem so focused on achievements and possessions, this book was a welcome read. It forces readers to see the effects of a driven life - one with a singular focus. I thought it was well plotted and the theme well explored, leaving me ruminating on this one for days. I appreciated the irony and the warning about regrets and repressing emotions.
If I could change one thing, I’d remove the salacious behaviour. It wasn’t needed and didn’t add to the plot. In fact, with it removed, the story would appeal to a wider audience.
Although I didn’t enjoy this story as much as her previous psychological thriller, I’m grateful for the invitation to read it and will remain interested in reading Keogh’s future books.
I was gifted this book by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
While many reviewers focus on the lack of emotion and doggedly straightforward plot in the first third of the book, I’d like to point out that I saw it as a reflection of the inward struggle and domestic situation of the protagonist. It pulled me in, offered me just enough details to propel me forward, and gave me the needed background to understand the remainder of the story.
In a world where we seem so focused on achievements and possessions, this book was a welcome read. It forces readers to see the effects of a driven life - one with a singular focus. I thought it was well plotted and the theme well explored, leaving me ruminating on this one for days. I appreciated the irony and the warning about regrets and repressing emotions.
If I could change one thing, I’d remove the salacious behaviour. It wasn’t needed and didn’t add to the plot. In fact, with it removed, the story would appeal to a wider audience.
Although I didn’t enjoy this story as much as her previous psychological thriller, I’m grateful for the invitation to read it and will remain interested in reading Keogh’s future books.
I was gifted this book by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
November 28, 2022
Well…what a dark, mysterious and ferociously addictive book this is!
Jake, has nothing and his parents almost demand he stays at nothing suddenly has wealth beyond means, fabulously described in sumptuous vulgarity that makes you shudder�..yet there’s that part of you that thinks ‘yep me too if I had his millions� 😀 embarks on a marriage that looks like it’s doomed to fail, and then the writer takes you as far away from what you thought was going to happen and to what actually happens and certainly had me fooled to the outcome, I shall say no more on that!
It’s salacious, scary, thought provoking, menacing, at times funny, at times harrowing and choc a bloc of good solid characters…some I liked, some I liked to dislike but all played a good part
Really enjoyable, very blindsidedgly unpredictable and more than anything a fine fiction read
10/10
5 Stars
Jake, has nothing and his parents almost demand he stays at nothing suddenly has wealth beyond means, fabulously described in sumptuous vulgarity that makes you shudder�..yet there’s that part of you that thinks ‘yep me too if I had his millions� 😀 embarks on a marriage that looks like it’s doomed to fail, and then the writer takes you as far away from what you thought was going to happen and to what actually happens and certainly had me fooled to the outcome, I shall say no more on that!
It’s salacious, scary, thought provoking, menacing, at times funny, at times harrowing and choc a bloc of good solid characters…some I liked, some I liked to dislike but all played a good part
Really enjoyable, very blindsidedgly unpredictable and more than anything a fine fiction read
10/10
5 Stars
April 17, 2023
THE TROPHY WIFE is a psychological thriller by international bestselling author Valerie Keogh. Having read and enjoyed five of her stand-alone novels, I was anxious to start her latest novel.
Her Standalone Novels Include:
Secrets Between Us (2018)
The Housewife (2019)
The Three Women (2020) (Read)
The Perfect Life (2020) (Read)
The Deadly Truth (2020)
The Little Lies (2021)
The Lies He Told (2021) (Read)
The Couple in the Photograph (2021) (Read)
A Taste of Deceit (2022)
The Lodger (2022) (Read)
The Widow (2022)
The Trophy Wife (2023) (Read)
The Librarian (2023)
This is my review of The Trophy Wife.
The opening of this novel clearly outlines and gives insight into what is to follow.
“Maybe I’ll never understand and will simply have to live with the truth-that thanks to me, three people died.�
“Lies, secrets, regrets, and loss-this life of mine.�
Jake Mitchell grew up in a small town, with little money, where his father worked in a factory and wanted his son to carry on the tradition…but Jake wanted more. He applied for a scholarship to the University of Oxford to study business and economics, without consulting his parents and was
It was at Oxford that Jake met Adam, a person who came from a privileged rich family. In order to fit in, Jake chose to lie about the past, saying his parents had died a few years earlier in a car crash. Now, his life would never be the same again.
Jake and Adam become best friends and Adam meets Adam’s parents and Adam’s sister, Ann.
After university, Jake gets hired as a consultant fund manager for one of London's investment banks, making lots of money.
And then he met Jane...he was in love…but he was too late as Adam would soon marry the girl he loved.
So regretfully, Jake settled for Ann and married her…but he never loved her. she would never be like Jane.
Soon, Jake needs to escape out of the marriage…and there was only one way out�
The Trophy Wife was an interesting thought-provoking well worth read. I was interested in finding out what happened to Jake. Jake’s life story was tragic.
“Money can’t buy happiness.�
Many thanks to the author, BoldwoodBooks and Netgalley for my digital copy.
Her Standalone Novels Include:
Secrets Between Us (2018)
The Housewife (2019)
The Three Women (2020) (Read)
The Perfect Life (2020) (Read)
The Deadly Truth (2020)
The Little Lies (2021)
The Lies He Told (2021) (Read)
The Couple in the Photograph (2021) (Read)
A Taste of Deceit (2022)
The Lodger (2022) (Read)
The Widow (2022)
The Trophy Wife (2023) (Read)
The Librarian (2023)
This is my review of The Trophy Wife.
The opening of this novel clearly outlines and gives insight into what is to follow.
“Maybe I’ll never understand and will simply have to live with the truth-that thanks to me, three people died.�
“Lies, secrets, regrets, and loss-this life of mine.�
Jake Mitchell grew up in a small town, with little money, where his father worked in a factory and wanted his son to carry on the tradition…but Jake wanted more. He applied for a scholarship to the University of Oxford to study business and economics, without consulting his parents and was
It was at Oxford that Jake met Adam, a person who came from a privileged rich family. In order to fit in, Jake chose to lie about the past, saying his parents had died a few years earlier in a car crash. Now, his life would never be the same again.
Jake and Adam become best friends and Adam meets Adam’s parents and Adam’s sister, Ann.
After university, Jake gets hired as a consultant fund manager for one of London's investment banks, making lots of money.
And then he met Jane...he was in love…but he was too late as Adam would soon marry the girl he loved.
So regretfully, Jake settled for Ann and married her…but he never loved her. she would never be like Jane.
Soon, Jake needs to escape out of the marriage…and there was only one way out�
The Trophy Wife was an interesting thought-provoking well worth read. I was interested in finding out what happened to Jake. Jake’s life story was tragic.
“Money can’t buy happiness.�
Many thanks to the author, BoldwoodBooks and Netgalley for my digital copy.
February 28, 2023
Got about a third of the way through this one before throwing in the towel! A man's mundane life, complaining about "the one that got away", to his bestie...I felt like I was sitting through a droning lecture. No thanks!
January 30, 2023
whoever said this was fast-paced is a liar. all this man did was cum in 3 seconds, lie, and eat hot chip.
January 19, 2023
This was a very twisty read. It was packed full of red herrings and I was enthralled all the way through. I haven’t read many of Valeries’s books but, I’ll be reading more in the future. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
December 6, 2022
I like to read in different genres so it doesn't get too boring or monotonous.
This is a new psychological thriller that was previously published as Exit Five From Charing Cross.
This book is written in a very interesting way. It's a life story based on lies, jealousy, and daydreams of a young man trying desperately to be someone he isn't. He keeps trying until it appears that he has achieved his goal.
Until his dreams turn into nightmares and the pressure is too much.
As I said, the book was very interesting written, but unfortunately, the book doesn't have a bit of a thriller in the story. Psychological thriller aspects only appeared after 80% of the story and were just that, a surprising moments on the last few pages.
I didn't like any of the characters in the book, which was probably intentional by the author to create the very odd atmosphere in this story.
I read this book and kept thinking how weird the main character is.
It left the impression that he had no real emotions at all.
Everything played, lied, and calculated.
I didn't know what would happen at the end of the story, but after all the chaos of his life, the ending definitely made sense.
It was a very impressive ending.
Did I like the book? Yes and no.
It was interesting, but sometimes dragged on too much and other stuff was not really explained to the reader at all. I'm not sure what to think about this book to be honest 🤔
This is a new psychological thriller that was previously published as Exit Five From Charing Cross.
This book is written in a very interesting way. It's a life story based on lies, jealousy, and daydreams of a young man trying desperately to be someone he isn't. He keeps trying until it appears that he has achieved his goal.
Until his dreams turn into nightmares and the pressure is too much.
As I said, the book was very interesting written, but unfortunately, the book doesn't have a bit of a thriller in the story. Psychological thriller aspects only appeared after 80% of the story and were just that, a surprising moments on the last few pages.
I didn't like any of the characters in the book, which was probably intentional by the author to create the very odd atmosphere in this story.
I read this book and kept thinking how weird the main character is.
It left the impression that he had no real emotions at all.
Everything played, lied, and calculated.
I didn't know what would happen at the end of the story, but after all the chaos of his life, the ending definitely made sense.
It was a very impressive ending.
Did I like the book? Yes and no.
It was interesting, but sometimes dragged on too much and other stuff was not really explained to the reader at all. I'm not sure what to think about this book to be honest 🤔
February 1, 2023
Thank goodness that’s over with. If you don’t read this book you won’t be missing out on anything. For the first half of the book, nothing happens. The first half goes on and on about how envious Jake is of Adam. That’s about it. I felt it was pretty redundant and I was tired of reading about “poor old little Jake�. Halfway through I thought it was starting to pick up a bit, but again, nothing really happened until the last 4 chapters or so. Even then, the ending fell flat and I was just relieved to have finished.
December 17, 2022
This was an achingly slow burn .I quite enjoyed disliking most of the characters though. This story changes drastically from a soap opera Great Gatsby to an ominous mystery of delusion. Interesting and unique.
February 2, 2023
I have enjoyed Valerie Keogh's thrillers in the past and when I saw this one thought "why not?". Unfortunately that quickly became..."why?" Keogh is adept at slow burns but this one I found so slow burning it put me to sleep...literally.
THE TROPHY WIFE follows Jake Mitchell's life from the age of 18...quite literally. It is a straight line of monologuing detailing his life, with no tangents or crossroads, just one long boring straight line that really doesn't come up for air. Not even between chapters. The next chapter simply follows on where the previous one left off leaving me wondering what the point of the chapters were.
So Jake has grown up in an average house, with average parents who had no ambition beyond working in a factory and serving up cottage pie twice a week. But Jake wanted more than this for himself. So he applied to Oxford and was granted a full scholarship, thrilling him no end. But when he broke the news to his parents, their reaction was...average. Why did he have ideas above his station in life? His father had organised a position at the factory for him and his mother merely nodded and changed the subject. That night, Jake packed his holdall and left without a backward glance or a word, arriving in Oxford the following day two months ahead of time. What to do?
But like a cat, Jake landed on both feet and from there his climb to the top began. He met Adam and the two became best friends. Jake was embarrassed about his humble beginnings when Adam so obviously had a public school education and came from old money. Adam was everything he wanted to be and everything he wanted to have...and so he modelled himself on his best friend. He spent holidays at the family's sprawling Cotswolds home and it is there he first encounters Adam's rather aloof sister Ann.
As the years pass the boys grow into men and remain friends with Adam going on to become a teacher and Jake getting first class honours in his business and economics degree which took from one financial position to the next until landing an exclusive position at the illustrious Sebastian et Sebastian, catering to the most allfuent. It is here that Jake makes his fortune. Yet despite this, he was lonely. And then Adam met Jane...and Jake wanted Jane.
Really not much happened up to this point by which time I had dozed several times and nothing but nothing happened. Just Adam living happily ever after with all that Jake coveted (still) while he made millions and had no one to share it with. It's a classic case of, while money can buy plenty, it cannot buy happiness.
Jake was kind of creepy, had built an entire life on a series of lies, while continuing to covet all that his best friend had. He was jealous of Adam believing everything came easy to him, having been born into money, whereas Jake had come from nothing and made something of himself on his own merits...and yet he still had nothing of real value. Not really. Because what he wanted he couldn't have. And on and on it went.
In the end, I put the put book down. I was bored and by 40% it hadn't picked up any pace so therefore it was going nowhere. And if it was, it was taking too long to get there. I generally enjoy Valerie Keogh's thrillers but this one just missed the mark.
I would like to thank #ValerieKeogh, #Netgalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheTrophyWife in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at .
THE TROPHY WIFE follows Jake Mitchell's life from the age of 18...quite literally. It is a straight line of monologuing detailing his life, with no tangents or crossroads, just one long boring straight line that really doesn't come up for air. Not even between chapters. The next chapter simply follows on where the previous one left off leaving me wondering what the point of the chapters were.
So Jake has grown up in an average house, with average parents who had no ambition beyond working in a factory and serving up cottage pie twice a week. But Jake wanted more than this for himself. So he applied to Oxford and was granted a full scholarship, thrilling him no end. But when he broke the news to his parents, their reaction was...average. Why did he have ideas above his station in life? His father had organised a position at the factory for him and his mother merely nodded and changed the subject. That night, Jake packed his holdall and left without a backward glance or a word, arriving in Oxford the following day two months ahead of time. What to do?
But like a cat, Jake landed on both feet and from there his climb to the top began. He met Adam and the two became best friends. Jake was embarrassed about his humble beginnings when Adam so obviously had a public school education and came from old money. Adam was everything he wanted to be and everything he wanted to have...and so he modelled himself on his best friend. He spent holidays at the family's sprawling Cotswolds home and it is there he first encounters Adam's rather aloof sister Ann.
As the years pass the boys grow into men and remain friends with Adam going on to become a teacher and Jake getting first class honours in his business and economics degree which took from one financial position to the next until landing an exclusive position at the illustrious Sebastian et Sebastian, catering to the most allfuent. It is here that Jake makes his fortune. Yet despite this, he was lonely. And then Adam met Jane...and Jake wanted Jane.
Really not much happened up to this point by which time I had dozed several times and nothing but nothing happened. Just Adam living happily ever after with all that Jake coveted (still) while he made millions and had no one to share it with. It's a classic case of, while money can buy plenty, it cannot buy happiness.
Jake was kind of creepy, had built an entire life on a series of lies, while continuing to covet all that his best friend had. He was jealous of Adam believing everything came easy to him, having been born into money, whereas Jake had come from nothing and made something of himself on his own merits...and yet he still had nothing of real value. Not really. Because what he wanted he couldn't have. And on and on it went.
In the end, I put the put book down. I was bored and by 40% it hadn't picked up any pace so therefore it was going nowhere. And if it was, it was taking too long to get there. I generally enjoy Valerie Keogh's thrillers but this one just missed the mark.
I would like to thank #ValerieKeogh, #Netgalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheTrophyWife in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at .
January 19, 2023
I thought the ending really sucked. The whole book was kind of boring. I defiantly wouldn't pay money for it.
August 9, 2023
Jake has been accepted into Oxford University on a scholarship, but his father wants him to work with him at the factory. He leaves home to take up the scholarship.
At University he meets Adam Brett who comes from a wealthy family. He spends his free time with Adam and his family.
Jake lies about his past saying his parents died in a car crash. This lie will haunt him for many years to come.
Jake is jealous when Adam and Jane marry. He has the dream house, he is lonely until he marries Adam's socialite sister Ann. Will it be happy ever after for this couple?
A great book that is full of twists and reveals that will keep you hooked.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
At University he meets Adam Brett who comes from a wealthy family. He spends his free time with Adam and his family.
Jake lies about his past saying his parents died in a car crash. This lie will haunt him for many years to come.
Jake is jealous when Adam and Jane marry. He has the dream house, he is lonely until he marries Adam's socialite sister Ann. Will it be happy ever after for this couple?
A great book that is full of twists and reveals that will keep you hooked.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2023
Long and anticlimactic!
The "thriller" portion of the book comes in probably the final chapter and is completely lackluster. I can't believe I read this entire book for that ending. I want my hours back.
The "thriller" portion of the book comes in probably the final chapter and is completely lackluster. I can't believe I read this entire book for that ending. I want my hours back.
November 8, 2023
This is my first Valerie Keogh and The Trophy Wife was a mediocre introduction to the author.
It’s not mind blowing but kept me reading until the end.
A slow burning mystery that’s dark and mysterious.
Money doesn’t always buy happiness.
Jake has a plan.
He decides to go to Oxford and make something of his life.
There he meets Adam and befriends him.
He wants the wealthy world Adam has including his girlfriend, Jane.
Jake becomes big in his chosen career and the only thing missing is a trophy wife.
He becomes infatuated with Anne, Adam’s sister.
A cold, calculating and self absorbed woman.
But soon his life begins to unravel…�.
There are some elements of the story that are quite good but overall it’s kind of unnecessarily long.
There’s not many likeable characters and the plot is a little disjointed at times.
The premise is intriguing but comes across slightly weak with an anticlimactic ending.
It’s an ok read and will read another Valerie book eventually.
It’s not mind blowing but kept me reading until the end.
A slow burning mystery that’s dark and mysterious.
Money doesn’t always buy happiness.
Jake has a plan.
He decides to go to Oxford and make something of his life.
There he meets Adam and befriends him.
He wants the wealthy world Adam has including his girlfriend, Jane.
Jake becomes big in his chosen career and the only thing missing is a trophy wife.
He becomes infatuated with Anne, Adam’s sister.
A cold, calculating and self absorbed woman.
But soon his life begins to unravel…�.
There are some elements of the story that are quite good but overall it’s kind of unnecessarily long.
There’s not many likeable characters and the plot is a little disjointed at times.
The premise is intriguing but comes across slightly weak with an anticlimactic ending.
It’s an ok read and will read another Valerie book eventually.
February 19, 2023
2.5 🌟
It's just such a tiresome book
It starts off really well and interesting, but then drags on. It's a one-dimensional story, and we don't get a feel of any other character, esp Ann his wife. She's crucial to the entire end, and we don't have any grip on her or her thoughts. Her last statements are so contrary to her established personality that it's surprising. A decent plot that could have benefited with the dual.pov kind of writing.
Jake is a miserable , spoilt brat. He's one of those who feels entitled to every happiness just because he believed he was deprived of his childhood. He really never grows up.
It was a really sad book that would have benefited with a heart to heart conversation between Jake and Ann.
Recommended: meh 😐
It's just such a tiresome book
It starts off really well and interesting, but then drags on. It's a one-dimensional story, and we don't get a feel of any other character, esp Ann his wife. She's crucial to the entire end, and we don't have any grip on her or her thoughts. Her last statements are so contrary to her established personality that it's surprising. A decent plot that could have benefited with the dual.pov kind of writing.
Jake is a miserable , spoilt brat. He's one of those who feels entitled to every happiness just because he believed he was deprived of his childhood. He really never grows up.
It was a really sad book that would have benefited with a heart to heart conversation between Jake and Ann.
Recommended: meh 😐
January 14, 2023
Slow slow slow. I made it 60% through the book and though there were a few things I didn’t see coming, I couldn’t make myself finish it. It just felt like so much fluff and not enough to move the storyline along. 😞
June 1, 2023
A tale of obsession better not told. It was not thrilling and I almost DNF'd it but hoped it would get better. It did not.
February 16, 2023
Great psychological thriller. Quick and easy read. Loved Valerie's writing style. Had my attention from the start. Loved the well written chapters. Will download more of her work for sure. Would recommend 💕
June 13, 2023
I would not classify this as a thriller. It says fast paced in the title on kindle but that’s a lie. This story just drug on for me and then toward the end everything just starts to unravel very quickly and in my opinion, messy. I never liked any of the characters. I didn’t feel bad for his bitch of a wife. I didn’t feel bad for him. I actually hated him and reading through his eyes as a selfish rich jackass. I had an inkling that Joyce was fictional. From the moment she said her name and it just so happened to be his favorite girl name. He had PTSD and just had a complete breakdown. This was terrifying because these things could happen. This sorry wasn’t as far fetched as I would’ve liked. A lot of this happens every day. All in all I did not like this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed reading through half of this book, discovering and learning more about Jake, how he transformed from rags to riches. That being said, the ending took me by surprise and didn’t quite make sense to me.
January 17, 2024
Not a terrible book but far from a good one. The characters are lifeless. The main character is a liar, and has no personality. But he appears nutso right from the second Jane shows up. Obsessed, insane, driven.
It’s horridly slow from the point of meeting Jane until Joyce shows up
And Ann’s change of character right near the end is absurd
Figured out the ending before I read it
2.5
It’s horridly slow from the point of meeting Jane until Joyce shows up
And Ann’s change of character right near the end is absurd
Figured out the ending before I read it
2.5
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