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

Great Twist

I'm very rarely surprised when the truth is revealed in a book, but this book had a great twist and I loved it.

Rollercoaster wonderful

The story & narrator were wonderful. The characters were well developed and the entire story of the past & present came to rest after a truly rollercoaster ride

slow, picks it up, suspenseful, boom done

Ends predictably and oddly quickly. Enjoyable and suspenseful, I recommend it for an easy summer read.

Almost 5 stars....

If I had not read the subsequent novel The Wife that was very similar and the story was tighter. It kept me listening when I wanted to stop. I did figure out the end, however this is the third book I have read by the author and there is some similarities. I am glad I listened to it!

Nicely Balanced Mystery

This was a surprisingly good read. I particularly enjoyed Olivia's character, her flaws, and her passion for her job. The mystery part of the book kept me guessing while the relationship aspects were also relatable. I will admit that I sort of saw the ending coming, but I didn't see it exactly the way that Burke wrote it. I gave it 4.5 stars and definitely recommend this one. 

NOW I will read all books by Alafair Burke. I love

loved this writer. now I will read every book written by Alfair Burke. THANK YOU

The Burke family rocks!!!

I am a huge fan of James Lee Burke and out of curiosity I ended up on his official web page. Upon discovering that the real Alafair, Burke not Robicheaux, is an author I immediately looked for her stories. This book had me from the first lines. I was listening at all times of night. My husband tried to get me to go to sleep but I had to know what happens next. The narrator Xe Sands was terrific. Overall five stars!!!

Wanted more!

The story was ok. I felt like we could have gotten more then we did. I kept waiting for something great to happen.

complicated

If you enjoy complexity this is a good mystery. The story is timeky and modern . Fully detailed court and detective intrigue... not a terrible tale.

A great psychological thriller by Alifair Burke

ALAFAIR Burke , daughter of famous novelist James Lee Burke, has written many thrillers. In general I have reservations about the plots of some of her books. because of the violence which I found unrealistic and gratuitous. She has also written a series of 3 books which I enjoyed very much. « The Ex » is one of them. Here the emphasis is on the complex relationships between the accused Jack Harris, his daughter Buckley, his lawyer and ex-fiancée, Olivia Randall. The book is compelling and hard to let go until the end. Surprises abound and be prepared for a fun ride.