The Mistress: A gripping and emotional page turner with a killer twist

I was steady on absorbed in this tale, even when it got a bit out there but I also struggled as I didn’t like these people, not a one of them. The writing style and storylines were intriguing and tickled and teased my curiosity with unexpected twists and odd turns, some of which squeezed my heart while exasperating me at the same time. But underneath it all, these were just horrid, selfish, and deceitful human beings. I felt sorry for what had ultimately happened to the final mistress, as she was easy prey being unstable, lonely, vulnerable, and apparently a complete sucker, but she was also beyond annoying in her neediness. I had no respect at all for the unrepentant womanizer or his enabler of a wife who just ignored his blatant and numerous infidelities. I just don’t get that. But I champion the Lorena Bobbitt philosophy on such matters.

The Mistress by Jill Childs is a must read for fans of Gone Girl and Big Little Lies. “Everything’s got a price. Even friendship. Don’t make that mistake.” Laura is having a Romeo and Juliet affair with Ralph. When Ralph dies, Laura and Ralph’s wife, Helen covers it up. From school gossip and looking back at their relationship, Laura starts to wonder how well she actually knew Ralph. Laura is alone trying to figure out what is going on. She is trying to turn to the one person that understands. Throughout the book everyone is discovering more about Ralph. Ralph is an awful person but such a wonderful character. Every time I thought I had Ralph figured out, more lies were uncovered. Most of the characters I felt that way about where I wanted to learn so much about them as characters, but everything I learned made me like them less. Laura is a grown woman, having an affair with a married man hoping and expecting him to leave his wife. She is needy and clingy around Ralph. Helen is probably the most interesting character to me. It is unclear what her motivations are until farther in the book. Bea is a loyal friend and the only character I actually liked as a person other than the children. I really enjoyed the mistress. There are so many lies and deceptions. Everyone is covering up so much. Nobody really knows who to trust and if their lies will be uncovered. Everyone has their own plans, secrets and purposes. The Mistress includes cheating, child abuse, stalking, manipulation and so many secrets. The first part of the book is through Laura’s point of view. Laura is very confused and trying to figure out what is going on. I was very concerned where I thought the story was leading near the end of this section and I am so glad I was wrong. The second part of the book is through a different character’s perspective and explains a lot more about Ralph and his past. Some of the smaller plot twists and revelations I figured out before they were revealed, but the main plot I didn’t figure out until Childs revealed it. I thought the ending and all the twists fit perfectly with the story. I recommend The Mistress to thriller fans. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for The Mistress.

I love these types of stories and The Mistress is no exception! Jill Childs has outdone herself here and has produced a highly enjoyable read. If you love a story that is full of drama, tension and suspense, with a twist and a jaw dropping ending, then The Mistress is definitely for you! I just can’t recommend this book highly enough! In a market that can be overdone with these types of tales, Jill Child’s The Mistress, really does stand out above others I have read. Right from the opening, you are caught in its web and entangled in its wickedness, where you are held hostage till the final page! Never at any time did my focus wavier and I could not get enough of it! The story is broken up and told in two parts. The first from the perspective of the mistress (Laura) and the other, from the wife (Helen), as each gives you their side of the story and a look into their relationships with adulterer and piece of work Ralph. Never have I detested a character more than Ralph, but I have to say he has been perfectly written in his role. Jill Childs brings this story to life through writing that is both vivid and flawless. Everything just flows so well and is to the point. The story moves seamlessly between the main protagonists and never once gets to bogged down in the details. It is fast paced and there are no plot holes or unnecessary filler chapters dragging it out, making it a smooth read.The twist was unexpected and the last three words of the story, are the best and the most chilling I have read in a long while. There are so many books I have read this year that have exceeded my expectations and The Mistress is definitely one of these books! I am a new reader to Jill Child’s work having only read her previous release, The First Wife, and I am so glad that she is now on my radar. I will be looking forward to see what she comes up with for us next! Thank you to Jill Childs, Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of The Mistress, which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.