I have read all of Jane Fallon’s previous novels and most of them have been about adultery. What is great about them that it’s not always the person being cheated on. Sometimes it’s the mistress, sometimes it’s a character thats not directly related to the relationship where someone is cheating but gets caught up in the inevitable mess. The unique viewpoints mean that while they cover similar topics, they are all unique and fascinating. This one is no different and may just have excelled to become my favourite book of Jane’s, a feat I didn’t think possible since ‘Getting Rid Of Matthew’ is absolutely fantastic and a tough one to beat.

The writing is smart and the whole book keeps at a steady pace where I was dying to know what was going to happen next. I loved watching Paula execute her plan. We can all imagine how horrible it must be to find your partner is cheating on you and equally feel some less at getting your revenge. The opening chapter was absolutely fantastic and I instantly warmed to Paula, and I could see how deeply she cared for their daughters and it was easy to see how she felt a little bit resentful toward’s Robert and his career when she didn’t have their opportunity despite their agreement. I also find it a bit sad that she never bought it up. I guess once Robert found a steady role it was a difficult situation to be in, but it seemed like options for Paula working as well was never fully explored so I wish they had done this, and this would have stopped some of the resentment, but when you’re in these situations it’s always more difficult than being an outsider looking in.  

Robert was the perfect character to dislike, making it even easier to will Paula on during her plan to get revenge. He was incredibly vain and arrogant and while the character caused a few laughs, it was mainly laughing in disbelief at how ridiculous he was acting.  

The rest of the cast of characters were fantastic, as Paula befriends Saskia, you get to know the mistress better, and Saskia’s husband sounds pretty handsome and kind. The side stories with Paula and Robert’s daughter, Georgia and her trouble with university, and also Alice, Robert’s sister were really interesting and a great distraction so it wasn’t all revenge revenge revenge, which might have got a bit tiring.  

This book throws a few twists at you and I never wanted to put it down. It’s a lot of fun and definitely pulled me out of my slump! Another great book from Jane Fallon.  

Published by: Michael Joseph – Penguin
Gratefully received from the Publisher for review  

View Book on Goodreads
Order on: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Book Depository