Looking for a book set in a glamorous, privileged city full of pampered, gossipy characters? Check out “Happy Wife” by Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores.
The novel is a contemporary thriller/mystery which takes place in Winter Park, Florida. “Happy Wife” is an easy read with short chapters and a decent plot. The characters aren’t all that intriguing, but for a light twisty read, this book fits the bill.
Nora is the much younger second wife of millionaire lawyer Will Davies. His ex-wife hates her, and most of the ‘society women’ follow the ex-wife’s lead, gossiping about Nora at every chance they get. Will disappears on the night of his 46th birthday party and the search begins… as does the gossip and rumor mill. As the story unfolds, chapters alternate between the past – Nora and Will’s relationship begins and the present – the police become involved in Will’s disappearance and more characters seem to have suspicious actions.
“Happy Wife” is an entertaining, quick weekend read. It was a ‘Read With Jenna’ pick in July and it seemed like the ending left the possibility open for a sequel. (One of the authors, Meredith Lavender, has been a writer/executive producer in television for over twenty years.)