Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Every Vow You Break by Peter Swanson Narrator: Karissa Vacker
Published by HarperAudio on March 30, 2021
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Length: 7 hours, 38 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
Abigail Baskin never thought she’d fall in love with a millionaire. Then she met Bruce Lamb. He’s a good guy, stable, level-headed, kind—a refreshing twist from her previous relationships.
But right before the wedding, Abigail has a moment of uncertainty. The drunken one-night stand from her bachelorette weekend, the sexy guy who wouldn’t give her his real name, didn’t really mean anything she keeps telling herself. She puts the incident out of her mind, and now believes she wants to be with Bruce for the rest of her life. Their honeymoon on a luxurious, secluded island in Maine will be the beginning of their blissful lives together.
Then the mysterious stranger suddenly appears—and Abigail’s future life and happiness are turned upside down. He insists that their passionate night was the beginning of something much, much more. Something special. Something real—and he’s tracked her down to prove it.
Does she tell Bruce and ruin their idyllic honeymoon—and possibly their marriage? Or should she handle this psychopathic stalker on her own? To make the situation worse, strange things begin to happen. She sees a terrified woman in the night shadows, and no one at the resort seems to believe anything is amiss… including her perfect new husband.
Creepy, seriously creepy. Every Vow You Break had me on the edge from start to finish. Abby wasn’t easy to like initially, since she had a one night stand at her bachelorette party. I can’t imagine being that disconnected right before you marry someone. It isn’t technically cheating but it was followed up by lying. The story is from her viewpoint and we don’t get much character development of anyone else. She seems a bit shallow and unfocused.
The honeymoon is just weird. The remote setting would be beautiful with its activities, and gourmet foods and drinks. But the whole disconnect from the outside world and not spending time with her new husband, Bruce, was bizarre. I won’t spoil the story but it just keeps getting more bizarre devolving into grotesque.
Abby ends up in dangerous trouble. She shows unexpected fortitude and sense. Her situation seems a bit over the top at times. There is some information about what happens after the honeymoon, but there were a few (very small) loose ends for me. The fast pace and chilling events had me tense, horrified and stunned.
Narration:
I’ve enjoyed Karissa Vacker before and was completely happy with her vocals and thought stream of this character. The emotional tone of the performance felt right. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip:
About Peter Swanson
Peter Swanson is the author of six novels including The Kind Worth Killing, winner of the New England Society Book Award, and finalist for the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger, Her Every Fear, an NPR book of the year, and his most recent thriller, Eight Perfect Murders. His books have been translated into 30 languages, and his stories, poetry, and features have appeared in Asimov’s Science Fiction, The Atlantic Monthly, Measure, The Guardian, The Strand Magazine, and Yankee Magazine.
A graduate of Trinity College, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and Emerson College, he lives in Somerville, Massachusetts with his wife and cat.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- C21-Spring
I have this book on hold at my library (audiobook version). Your review has me intrigued. It’s bizarre and grotesque?! I’m curious now lol
I really can’t spoil it saying more but it is creepy and I was scared for her. It’s very good and not too long a book either so quick to read.
This does sound creepy. You’ve given just enough info to make me want to read it!
Anything more and I was afraid I would spoil it. But it freaked me right out.
I really need to read this author. This sounds like something that I would enjoy a lot. I love a good creepy story!
I’ve really enjoyed all the books I’ve read of his, and I’ve read a few. They are psychological thrillers that scare you or twist your mind or both.
I have a couple of his other books on my TBR and have read another by him. I enjoyed it. This one sounds creepy! I am glad you enjoyed it, Anne.
Thanks Wendy. It was good and scary.
I’d call it cheating even if she wasn’t married at the time. She still was dating Bruce at the time. That being said, I’m super curious about this one! I’m off to see if it’s at my library. Wonderful review, Anne! 🙂
Yes that is how I feel but as I said the characters weren’t always very likeable. It’s a psychological thriller to mess with your mind / emotions.
Wonderful review, Anne? I’m so glad you liked it and good to see you describe it as creepy. I’m ready for that.
Thanks Jonetta! I’ll be interested to see what you think. I couldn’t say a lot more without spoiling things.