Book Review: The Affair | Sheryl Browne

A dark, twisted, emotional journey telling the story of a single affair and the lies that led to the destruction of trust among those who she loved most. Sheryl Browne has woven quite the tale here in The Affair with this knockout of a domestic noir thriller! What starts as an emotional unraveling of a marriage quickly turns into a living nightmare for all involved in this new novel by Browne.

About the Book

Alicia has been telling lies for 16 years, and they are about to catch up with her. At a dark time in her husband Justin’s life, Alicia Cole turned to the arms of another man. Now that affair which stayed buried for so long is threatening to ruin her family, as Paul Radley turns back up in their lives.

From the moment Justin sets eyes on Alicia and Paul talking close in the corner of a party, he suspects what he has denied for so long. Alicia was unfaithful. But the affair is only the beginning of the sordid web of lies and deceit surrounding their marriage. And it will take its toll on not just Alicia and Justin, but on their children as well.

As Alicia tells more lies to try and keep her family, she and Justin find themselves hurtling towards a shocking truth about their past. This book will make you wonder whether any secret can ever truly stay buried.

Reflection

This book is raw and filled with emotion. As far as thrillers go, I’d put this in the domestic thriller category, not the psychological thriller category. It will tug completely on your heart, as you see the devastating impact Alicia’s secret has on her husband and children. The book explores the tower of lies that build up when you try to keep a secret buried, and what happens when that tower topples over.

One of the brilliant things about this book are that there are very few characters. This allows you to really know the impact the secret and subsequent events has on each person in a very intimate way. This could easily be envisioned as a limited series program on HBO. It is filled with heartbreaking moments, twisted lies, and dark secrets threatening to come to life.

As you read this, you may think you know who is right and who is wrong, but these secrets go much deeper than is initially revealed. You’ll find yourself unsure of who to trust, and who else might be keeping secrets. Your heart will break for this family and what they are going through. And just when you think you can’t take it anymore, you’ll get those final twists. I am excited for other readers to enjoy this book!

Also–how gorgeous is the cover of this book? I am so attracted to it, and it has a secret tie in at the end of the book that you will find makes it even better!

Thank you to Bookouture for an advanced copy of this book to review.