I finished “The Ex-Wives Club by Sally Hepworth” in one sitting, coffee forgotten and heart racing. This short thriller (part of the Alibis Collection) packs a punch. If you crave twisty, suspenseful stories, you might find this one worth your time. To be fair, it has both strengths and weak spots, which I’ll break down honestly.
Key Takeaways
The Ex-Wives Club is a fast-paced, twisty thriller that keeps you guessing until the last page.
Sally Hepworth’s sharp writing and snappy dialogue make the story fun and easy to read in one sitting.
This short story suits readers who want suspense and secrets without a long time commitment, but it offers limited character depth.
Story Overview
Plot
I jumped into The Ex-Wives Club by Sally Hepworth expecting a quick thrill, and wow, it delivered. The story kicks off in Melbourne, where a famous celebrity chef dies under suspicious circumstances.
The police don’t waste time—they look straight at his tangled love life. Three ex-wives and a current girlfriend all become suspects. Each woman has her own secrets, and the tension between them kept me flipping pages way past my bedtime.
The plot moves fast.
Every chapter drops a new clue or twist.
I found myself guessing who might be hiding the biggest secret.
I didn’t see the ending coming. The story kept me on my toes, and I loved that feeling of not knowing who to trust.
Characters
The cast in this book is small but memorable. Here’s who you’ll meet:
Ex-wife #1: She’s sharp, guarded, and not afraid to speak her mind.
Ex-wife #2: She tries to keep the peace, but you can tell she’s hiding something.
Ex-wife #3: She’s the wildcard—funny, unpredictable, and a little bit mysterious.
Current girlfriend: She seems sweet, but I kept wondering if she was playing a bigger game.
I liked how each woman brought a different energy to the story. Their interactions felt real, sometimes awkward, sometimes tense. I wish I could have spent more time with them, but the short length means you only get quick glimpses into their lives.
Themes
This book is all about secrets and lies. I felt the suspense in every conversation. The women form uneasy alliances, but nobody really trusts anyone else. Here are the big themes I noticed:
Lies and deception: Everyone has something to hide.
Trust and betrayal: Friendships form, but suspicion never goes away.
Female alliances: The ex-wives sometimes work together, but old wounds run deep.
Suspense: The story never lets you relax. I kept waiting for the next twist.
Note: If you love stories where everyone has a motive and nothing is as it seems, this one will keep you guessing.
Strengths
Writing Style
I have to give props to Sally Hepworth for her sharp, witty writing. She knows how to make every line count. The dialogue feels real—sometimes biting, sometimes funny, always quick. I found myself grinning at the snarky exchanges between the ex-wives.
The author doesn’t waste words. She paints a scene with just a few strokes, and I could picture every awkward glance and forced smile.
Highlights:
Snappy, believable dialogue
Clear, vivid descriptions
Humor that cuts through the tension
Pacing
I’ll be honest, I read this story in one gulp. The pace never lets up. Each chapter ends with a little jolt, so I kept telling myself, “Just one more.” Before I knew it, I’d finished the whole thing. The short length works in its favor here. There’s no time for filler. Every scene pushes the story forward.
What worked for me:
No slow spots—every page matters
Quick chapters that keep you hooked
Perfect for a single sitting
Twists
This book delivers on the twists. I thought I had things figured out, but then—bam!—another secret dropped. The suspense built up so much that I actually felt my heart race. I love when a story keeps me guessing, and this one did just that.
Bottom line: The writing, pacing, and twists make this story memorable. It’s not perfect, but it’s a wild, chilling ride.
Weaknesses
Believability
I have to admit, some parts of this story felt a bit far-fetched. The way the ex-wives and girlfriend all ended up tangled in the same mess made me raise an eyebrow. I found myself thinking, “Would real people act like this?” Maybe not.
The drama sometimes felt a little too perfect, like a TV show where everyone has a secret and nobody acts normal. That didn’t ruin the fun for me, but it did pull me out of the story a few times.
Note: If you like your thrillers super realistic, this one might stretch your imagination.
Character Depth
I wanted more from these women. Each ex-wife had her own vibe, but I only got a quick peek at their lives. I craved more backstory, more reasons for their choices. Sometimes, the characters felt like puzzle pieces instead of real people. I kept wishing for a chapter that slowed down and let me really get to know them.
What I missed:
Deeper emotions
More personal history
Clearer motives
Length
This story is short—almost too short. I finished it in one sitting, but I felt like I barely scratched the surface. The quick pace kept things exciting, but it also meant less time for character growth and world-building. I wanted just a few more chapters to let everything breathe.
Bottom line: The short length makes it a fast read, but it leaves some story threads hanging. If you want a deep, layered mystery, you might feel a bit rushed.
Who Will Enjoy The Ex-Wives Club by Sally Hepworth
Ideal Readers
I know that feeling when you want a story that grabs you fast and doesn’t let go. If you love picking up a book and finishing it before your coffee gets cold, The Ex-Wives Club by Sally Hepworth will probably hit the spot. I’d say this one is perfect for:
Readers who crave short, punchy thrillers
Fans of domestic suspense with a twist
Anyone who enjoys stories about complicated relationships and secrets
People who like Sally Hepworth’s sharp, witty style
Final Verdict
Overall Impression
I have to admit, The Ex-Wives Club by Sally Hepworth surprised me. I picked it up for a quick read, but I ended up glued to my seat, coffee forgotten and heart pounding. The story moves fast and never lets up.
The tension between the ex-wives and the girlfriend felt real, even if some moments stretched what I’d believe. I wanted more time with the characters, but the short length kept things punchy and sharp.
The suspense kept me guessing.
The writing style felt witty and fresh.
Some parts felt a bit too dramatic for real life.
I wished for deeper character moments.
I zipped through The Ex-Wives Club by Sally Hepworth and felt that rush only a twisty thriller can give. If you love fast reads with sharp dialogue and secrets, this one’s for you. Perfect for anyone who wants suspense without a huge time commitment. I’d rate it a solid 6/10.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is “The Ex-Wives Club” a full-length novel or a short story?
It’s a short story, not a full novel. I finished it in one sitting. Perfect for a quick, suspenseful read.
Do I need to read other books in the Alibis Collection first?
Nope! You can jump right in. Each story stands alone, so you won’t feel lost if you start here.
Will I enjoy this if I’m new to Sally Hepworth’s books?
Absolutely. The writing style is sharp and easy to follow. If you like fast-paced thrillers, you’ll feel right at home.
