The Wife Between Us by Sarah Pekkanen and Greer Hendricks skillfully twists the psychological thriller genre with unexpected reveals and an intricately layered plot. Critics praise its engaging prose and unpredictable narrative. Some feel the plot twists strain credulity, but overall, it excels in suspense and character complexity.

Readers who revel in psychological thrillers with intricate plot twists and unreliable narrators will be captivated by The Wife Between Us by Sarah Pekkanen and Greer Hendricks. Fans of Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl and Paula Hawkins’s The Girl on the Train will find this suspenseful narrative equally gripping and unpredictable.

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen follows recently divorced Vanessa Thompson as she obsessively attempts to prevent her ex-husband Richard’s second marriage to a woman named Emma, gradually revealing her own traumatic past and the true nature of Richard's abusive behavior. The book includes themes of psychological and emotional abuse.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Dark / Emotional / Unnerving

- The Wife Between Us was a debut collaborative novel by Sarah Pekkanen and Greer Hendricks, showcasing their seamless writing partnership after Hendricks edited several of Pekkanen’s previous solo works.
- The book was a major success, spending weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list, and its option for a film adaptation was acquired by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Partners.
- In creating a psychological thriller with surprising twists, the authors drew from their backgrounds in journalism and editing to craft a compelling and intricately plotted narrative.

**Vanessa/Nellie**  
A preschool teacher whose life transforms after marrying Richard, leading to her struggle with personal identity and self-discovery. Her marriage ultimately drives her to confront her past and reclaim her future.

**Richard**  
A successful New York businessman who becomes Vanessa's controlling and abusive husband. He is characterized by an obsessive need for perfection in his relationships and life.

**Emma**  
Richard's young, beautiful assistant who becomes involved in a complex relationship with him and Vanessa. Initially seen as a rival, her character adds depth to the story's relational dynamics.

**Sam**  
Vanessa's best friend with a vibrant social life and a healthy skepticism of Richard. Her friendship with Vanessa faces challenges due to Vanessa's marriage but remains a symbol of genuine concern and support.

**Maureen**  
Richard's older sister who took care of him after their parents' death. She shares a close and enigmatic relationship with Richard, posing challenges for Vanessa as she tries to connect with Maureen.

**Aunt Charlotte**  
Vanessa's maternal aunt who provides unwavering support and a safe haven. Her role is essential in influencing Vanessa's perception of love, life, and resilience.

Sarah Pekkanen

Greer Hendricks

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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The Wife Between Us Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Prologue-Chapter 3

The Wife Between Us Part 1, Prologue-Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 4-6                                                                                           

The Wife Between Us Part 1, Chapters 4-6                                                                                            Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 7-9                                                                                            

The Wife Between Us Part 1, Chapters 7-9                                                                                             Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 10-12                                                                                                                               

The Wife Between Us Part 1, Chapters 10-12                                                                                                                                Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 13-15                                                                                                                               

The Wife Between Us Part 1, Chapters 13-15                                                                                                                                Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 16-18                                                                                                                               

The Wife Between Us Part 1, Chapters 16-18                                                                                                                                Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 19-21                                                                                                                               

The Wife Between Us Part 2, Chapters 19-21                                                                                                                                Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 22-24                                                                                                                               

The Wife Between Us Part 2, Chapters 22-24                                                                                                                                Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 25-27                                                                                                                               

The Wife Between Us Part 2, Chapters 25-27                                                                                                                                Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 28-30                                                                                                                               

The Wife Between Us Part 2, Chapters 28-30                                                                                                                                Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 31-33                                                                                                                               

The Wife Between Us Part 3, Chapters 31-33                                                                                                                                Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 34-36                                                                                                                               

The Wife Between Us Part 3, Chapters 34-36                                                                                                                                Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 37-39                                                                                                                               

The Wife Between Us Part 3, Chapters 37-39                                                                                                                                Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapter 40-Epilogue                                                                                                                               

The Wife Between Us Part 3, Chapter 40-Epilogue                                                                                                                                Summary & Analysis

The Wife Between Us

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