The English Wife
Annabelle and Bayard Van Duyvil seem to have it all. Living in New York, Bayard comes from an elite Knickerbocker family, while Annabelle grew up in a Tudor manor in England. They met in London, had a whirlwind romance, and now cherish their three-year-old twins. Bayard even built a replica of Annabelle’s family home by the Hudson River, called Illyria. Despite rumors of Annabelle’s affair with the home’s architect, the couple appears content. However, tragedy strikes on the night of their Twelfth Night Ball when Bayard is found dead with a knife in his chest and Annabelle goes missing, presumed drowned, causing a media frenzy.
Janie, Bayard’s sister, teams up with a reporter to uncover the truth. She is convinced her brother didn’t kill Annabelle and believes a third party was involved. As she digs deeper, Janie realizes she knew far less about her brother and his wife than she thought.
The English Wife Review
Fans of Lauren Willig’s novels will love this stand-alone romantic mystery set in the Gilded Age. The story moves between New York and London, showcasing the luxurious lifestyles of the time with grand mansions, elegant jewels, and scandalous secrets. The Van Duyvil family, seemingly perfect, is at the center of it all.
The mystery itself is full of surprises and will keep you guessing until the very end. Willig skillfully misleads the reader and introduces twists that make you rethink everything right when you think you’ve figured it out. You’ll also grow fond of the main characters, Janie Van Duyvil and the charming reporter James Burke.
Janie and James – An Unlikely Crime-Solving Duo
Janie Van Duyvil is an unexpected heroine, quiet and compliant, living under her domineering mother’s control. Even after her brother’s death, she remains outwardly meek, though she is determined to find out what really happened. Her character evolves throughout the story, showing growth despite her continued submission to her mother.
James Burke, the reporter, is the opposite of Janie in every way. He’s a man of low social standing, something Janie’s mother deeply disapproves of. Yet, Janie is captivated by him, and he admires her determination. Their different backgrounds lead to intriguing discussions about class, with both characters challenging each other’s assumptions.
Final Thoughts on The English Wife
The cover of this book is stunning, with its rich and bold colors that capture the era’s indulgence, contrasted with a stark winter background hinting at the dark mystery. This book is packed with secrets and surprises that will leave you bewildered and eager for more. I highly recommend getting a copy of “The English Wife” and diving into this thrilling tale.
For those who enjoy a good story with mystery, romance, and historical richness, this book is a must-read. While the narrative does include some sexually suggestive moments and hints at a non-consensual encounter, it remains non-graphic. The book was released on January 9, 2018, and is available on Amazon and other online bookstores.
