The Ex

A Novel

By: Alafair Burke

Narrated by: Xe Sands

In this breakout standalone novel of suspense in the vein of Gone Girl and The Girl on a Train, a woman agrees to help an old boyfriend who has been framed for murder—but begins to suspect that she is the one being manipulated.

And look for Alafair Burke's latest heart-racing novel of psychological suspense, The Wife, coming in January 2018.

Twenty years ago she ruined his life. Now she has the chance to save it.

Widower Jack Harris has resisted the dating scene ever since the shooting of his wife Molly by a fifteen-year-old boy three years ago. An early morning run along the Hudson River changes that when he spots a woman in last night’s party dress, barefoot, enjoying a champagne picnic alone, reading his favorite novel. Everything about her reminds him of what he used to have with Molly. Eager to help Jack find love again, his best friend posts a message on a popular website after he mentions the encounter. Days later, that same beautiful stranger responds and invites Jack to meet her in person at the waterfront. That's when Jack's world falls apart.

Olivia Randall is one of New York City's best criminal defense lawyers. When she hears that her former fiancé, Jack Harris, has been arrested for a triple homicide—and that one of the victims was connected to his wife's murder—there is no doubt in her mind as to his innocence. The only question is who would go to such great lengths to frame him—and why?

For Olivia, representing Jack is a way to make up for past regrets, to absolve herself of guilt from a tragic decision, a secret she has held for twenty years. But as the evidence against him mounts, she is forced to confront her doubts. The man she knew could not have done this. But what if she never really knew him?

©2016 Alafair Burke (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

Page turner

Excellent story. The author takes you swiftly through a multilayered mystery toward an ending that surprises! Highly recommend.

Good but a bit predictable

I enjoyed this book, but I found the various revelations to be quite obvious. This did not detract from my enjoyment of the book, however.

enthralling, and love the narrators voices.

absolutely wonderful novel. i could not stop lisening to it! i love murder stories so listening to this twisted story unfold was AMAZING!

Fun thrilling ride!

I was pleasantly surprised with this story. Great summer thriller and must have for your list!

Fizzed Out Like a Wet Firecracker

Would you try another book from Alafair Burke and/or Xe Sands?

Perhaps

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Like any good story, this one developed several roads toward a potentially great, and even explosive, ending. Unfortunately, it built up to an unimaginative fizzle. Stories of this sort make me regret the investment of my time.

What does Xe Sands bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

A good narrator draws the listener into the story and fleshes out the characters--all while the listener forgets the story is being read. Xe Sands accomplished her goal.

Could you see The Ex being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Maybe an episode of Law and Order. It would leave the viewer with a sad and conflicted feeling.

LOVED IT

Her endings are always a surprise!!
she is a great writer! i need more of her books!

Narrator

The narration drove me crazy. It was the type of voice that reminded me off”whatever”. Attitude. Book was great but narration voice was like fingernails on a chalkboard.

It was alright...

I loved the storyline but the book itself came off very boring to me. Good book to pass the time and a fast listen

Great read

Although you will probably figure out the ending, it is still a page turner and a great book

Good story!

Although I guessed the outcome early on, the story was still good. Was hoping for more suspense but I enjoyed the book.