Meet Todd Gilbert, one of the most despicable, selfish, and repellent characters in modern literature. We learn on page 2 of the book that *something* has turned his wife, Jodi, into a murderer. In alternating "His" and "Her" chapters, we learn the story of Todd and Jodi's marriage -- what each is willing to live with, and what each feels s/he can't live without.

The book's marketing department dubbed this "The Next 'Gone Girl'," which does a disservice to both books. "The Silent Wife" lacks the psychological tension of "Gone Girl", but can definitely stand on its own as a tale of a marriage gone sour and people acting in desperation.

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Psychological

Nearly as good as Gone Girl. Good vacation read! ( )

This novel was exquisite, it pulled me in entirely. It is a novel that can be read easily in one or two days. In fact, it is a novel that calls you. A relationship of twenty years, never a marriage, because neither felt it was necessary. Jodi Brett, a psychologist, with several degrees behind her name and Todd Gilbert, a developer, builder, with no degrees behind his name, met by accident. Jodi was moving and her moving truck struck Todd's truck in a blinding Chicago rain. Somehow in-between the yelling and accusations a relationship developed, and within a short time they moved in together. They had a perfect life, thought Jodi. A lovely apartment, expensive furnishings, good food, fast cars and good sex. The only issue was the never discussed liaisons that Todd had with other women. Jodi, ignored them, never addressed them, and lived in a perpetual state of denial.

This denial seemed to be a state for both of them. Each of them had a difficult, abusive childhood. OnlyTodd spoke of his. Jodi kept her issues covered, deep denial, that seems strange for a therapist. They lived an altered life,an altered existence. Todd got what he wanted, whenever he wanted, and, Jodi, got what she wanted, she thought. Jodi dressed in expensive beige pants and white shirt while at home,and this seems to be her existence, beige. Just right, no highs, no lows, until something occurs that brings everything crashing.

Couples who talk above the fray, but never really discussing their feelings. Too afraid to show what is really going on? On the surface, the perfect couple, below the surface, what has this alliance wrought? Love is apparent, but where is the love, really?

The author, I have read, died before her novel was published. Her first novel, exquisite writing. I could see and feel the characters, their surroundings, their emotions right there, but not shared with each other. This is the novel I would recommend, surprising in some sense, but so right, to the core!
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Gripping book. Couldn't put it down, as layer after layer of a relationship and the psyches of the two people in it gets peeled away. The chapters alternate between his view and hers and this adds to the tension as you rip through each one to catch up.
The author doesn't go into too much detail, just leaves a little tracing of information here, a quick peek there. Very readable and un-put-down able.
Recommended for a quick psychological thriller read. ( )