A Circle of Wives

By: Alice LaPlante

Narrated by: George Newbern, Betsy Zajko, Nan McNamara, Deanna Hurst, Kyla Garcia

When Dr. John Taylor is found dead in a hotel room in his hometown, the local police find enough incriminating evidence to suspect foul play. Detective Samantha Adams, whose Palo Alto beat usually covers small-town crimes, is innocently thrown into a high-profile murder case that is more intricately intertwined than she could ever imagine. A renowned plastic surgeon, a respected family man, and an active community spokesman, Dr. Taylor was loved and admired. But, hidden from the public eye, he led a secret life - in fact, multiple lives. A closeted polygamist, Dr. Taylor was married to three very different women in three separate cities. And when these three unsuspecting women show up at his funeral, suspicions run high. Adams soon finds herself tracking down a murderer through a web of lies and marital discord.

With a rare combination of gripping storytelling, vivid prose, and remarkable insight into character, Alice LaPlante brings to life a story of passion and obsession that will haunt listeners long after they turn the final page. A charged and provocative psychological thriller, A Circle of Wives dissects the dynamics of love and marriage, trust and jealousy, posing the terrifying question: How well do you really know your spouse?

©2014 Alice LaPlante. Recorded by arrangement with Grove/Atlantic, Inc. (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Kyla Garcia manages the perfect balance between uncertainty and determination as she voices new detective Sam Adams's battle to differentiate truth from lies on her first murder case. Plastic surgeon John Taylor is found dead in a hotel room. As the story unfolds through first-person accounts - delivered by the other female narrators - and newspaper reports - read by George Newbern - the listener is invited into the complicated life of Taylor, who had three wives. Only the first wife, Deborah, coolly characterized by Nan MacNamara, knows of the existence of the others. At times, the listening is disorienting as each of these very different women voices her grief and analyses the lie of her marriage. It can be painful but ultimately fascinating. Who killed the likable and idealistic Doctor Taylor and why?" ( AudioFile)

Everything to lose

Wife # one thinking she is fully in control of her husbands life , until she isn't . She no longer loves him or he her but she won't let go hence the title. If I say any thing more ill ruin the story so enjoy I certainly did

Strange ending

This was a good who done it, especially enjoyable because I am very familiar with setting. The ending was bizarre. I don’t understand the significance at all!

Great book!

Great book! Kept me guessing until the end! A lot of people said they were disappointed with the ending or didn't understand it, but I think it is fitting. The ending shows how the protagonist of the story ultimately suffers because, unlike the other characters in the book, she was afraid to love too much. This book tries to send the message that we must never be afraid to love others, but we cannot allow that love to devolve into selfishness and avarice.

Predictable

The characters were somewhat well developed and I enjoyed getting to know them. It was an easy read with no sex and profanity (maybe a couple of words) and that is a really good thing where I'm concerned. The story line was predictable in my opinion. The performance was excellent.

Very interesting

The ending was surprising and it kept you guessing. I didn't like how it ended for the main character