Review: THE SILENT WIFE by A.S.A. Harrison

Title: THE SILENT WIFE

Author: A.S.A. Harrison

Pub. Date: June 25, 2013

Publisher: Penguin

Pages: 326

Source: Purchased

A chilling psychological thriller about a marriage, a way of life, and how far one woman will go to keep what is rightfully hers.


Jodi and Todd are at a bad place in their marriage. Much is at stake, including the affluent life they lead in their beautiful waterfront condominium in Chicago, as she, the killer, and he, the victim, rush haplessly toward the main event. He is a committed cheater. She lives and breathes denial. He exists in dual worlds. She likes to settle scores. He decides to play for keeps. She has nothing left to lose. 

Told in alternating voices, THE SILENT WIFE  is about a marriage in the throes of dissolution, a couple headed for catastrophe, concessions that cannot be made, and promises that will not be kept. 

Expertly plotted and reminiscent of GONE GIRL and THESE THINGS HIDDEN, THE SILENT WIFE ensnares the reader from page one and does not let go.

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In THE SILENT WIFE, we are introduced to Jodi and Todd, a seemingly happily married couple in their mid-forties. Todd is a self-made, wealthy contractor/builder and Jodi is a part time psychologist, whom sees patients in her home office.

 A.S.A. Harrison took a very interesting approach to telling the story and does so by writing each chapter from alternating points of view. This lets the reader make their own conclusions about who is making the "right decisions" in the relationship as they are presented with both sided equally. From Jodi's side, we see a loving and devoted wife who is happy to cook and clean, loves nothing more than to dote on her husband and thrives on keeping their home pristine. Alternately, Todd has grown comfortable in this lifestyle and just a bit restless, leading him to stray to other women. Despite his love for Jodi and all she does for him, he cannot help the temptation by another woman.

When Jodi learns of the indiscretion, she realizes she must keep her life and home together - at all costs. Jodi is a very strong character and Harrison lets her grow as a person as she has to overcome each burden and obstacle she encounters on this journey.

A.S.A. Harrison's writing comes off a little distant in the beginning, as it is written in the third person present tense, but that is soon overlooked as her strikingly intelligent use of words builds a story that becomes impossible to put down. As you progress further into the story, you cannot turn the pages fast enough and Harrison never stops throwing surprises at you until the very end.

I was a bit concerned that THE SILENT WIFE would have a cliffhanger ending and require a sequel, but Harrison tied up all loose strings and the ending was as satisfying as it was surprising.

A.S.A. Harrison is the author of four non-fiction novels. THE SILENT WIFE is her first fiction novel. She passed away in April 2013, before the book's release.

Guest Review by: Victoria Lucas