The Ex

A Novel

By: Alafair Burke

Narrated by: Xe Sands

Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Ex: cellent

I KNEW IT! Okay no I didn't, well, yes I did, kinda. I love this book and the narration was spot on. The author had me scrambling trying to connect the dots and when I thought I knew what was going on or who done it, I would discover I was wrong. This, in my humble opinion, was a true mystery and a MUST READ/LISTEN. I had important work to do and still I couldn't put this book down. Excellent, superb, marvelous well written book.

Decent story but didn't grab me

Is there anything you would change about this book?

This book was okay. It is not a standout in terms of the writing, artfully-drawn characters, or super mysterious and thrilling plot. I got through it, but it won't be a memorable one. Comparisons to Gone Girl and even Girl on a Train, which was not a favorite of mine, are a pretty darn big stretch. The writing nor the plot or characters lend themselves to making this book a blockbuster by any means.

Would you be willing to try another book from Alafair Burke? Why or why not?

Yes, now that Ms. Burke is on my radar, I'll keep looking for other books by her that might be good reads.

Which character – as performed by Xe Sands – was your favorite?

I liked Olivia Randall. I thought her character was the main reason to read this book. Watching her change from the beginning of the novel toward the end, raising her confidence and getting into kick-butt lawyer mode, was a kick. As a lawyer myself, I can definitely relate to her struggles.

Do you think The Ex needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Not needed, but can see a sequel due to a pretty good twist at the end.

Any additional comments?

I didn't love it- I could figure out too many parts of the mystery and just wasn't enthralled. But I didn't hate it. If you are a fan of the genre and you've got a credit sitting there, it is worth a try.

Predictable. Annoying narration.

The first thing that struck me was the narrator. Did not like her low gravely voice. Sometimes was hard to hear.
I was able to connect all of the dots fairly quickly and most of the details just were a waste of time.

Excellent, really excellent story

Any additional comments?

I find it difficult to try to review this story without giving away many of the surprises of the story. I found the plot really suspenseful and could feel the ending coming but like the proverbial "train wreck" I couldn't put the brakes on to avoid the ending. Alafair Burke is an excellent writer and a really talented storyteller.

Hope to see more by this Author!

What did you love best about The Ex?

It was a great story that unfolded slowly.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Made you want to keep listening to uncover more of the story

A must listen!

Loved it! Kept me engaged in trying to figure out who done it. The narrator was very easy to listen to and had great differences between the characters.

Pretty fun

I liked The Ex. It was fun and fast. The narrator is one of my favorites. Great vacation listen!

Irritating narrator

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I haven't finished the book but will buy the print version because I think it is a good story but I can't stand listening to the narrator.

compelling...an audio "page turner"

excellent narration, nice variety in the voices. interesting and clever story. hope to read more from this author.

not worth it

Struggled to finish. The story line was obscured by the annoying narration. I would not recommend this one