Title:	The Wife Before Me
	Author:	Laura Elliott
	Published:	August 22, 2018, Bookouture
	No. of Pages:	374
	Cover Price:	$10.99 Paperback, $2.99 Kindle

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Nicholas Madison introduces himself to Elena Langdon at the cemetery after her mother dies; he is absolutely charming, and Elena falls for him, as he is there to help her get over her mother’s death. Elena learns that Nicholas was married before and his wife ran her car off Mason’s Pier and drowned (we learn in the prologue it is a suicide); her body was never found. The Wife Before Me tells of what Elena is up against with Nicholas’ memories of his first wife, Amelia; Nicholas insists she is jealous of Amelia and he’s obviously never gotten over her death.

Anyone who has experienced themselves or has been privy to a relationship with a narcissist will experience déjà vu as they read this psychological thriller. Many of the scenarios will be predictable, and the jealousy and cruelty exhibited by Nicholas will hit home. Others who haven’t known anyone with these tendencies will be shocked that people can actually act that way towards someone they supposedly love. The result of Elliott’s excellent storytelling is a gripping thriller that is actually uncomfortable to read, but absolutely impossible to put down. The suspense is palpable, and it begins at the start of the novel and doesn’t quit until the very last page.

Elliott has skillfully developed her characters, and they are believable. Nicholas is so true to form, it is impossible to believe he isn’t a real person. Like all narcissists, everything Nicholas does works out to his advantage, even though his efforts are full of lies and deceit.

The Wife Before Me is an eye-opening thriller that is well-written and believable. It is definitely recommended reading for thriller aficionados who like something different.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.