The Exes - by Leodora Darlington (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Who hasn't wanted to murder an ex--figuratively, at least? In this explosive debut thriller, a woman's seemingly perfect romantic life is on the verge of collapse as she uncovers a hidden history surfacing dark secrets that have deadly consequences.

Natalie has only ever wanted to find "the one." The perfect man, the happy family she never had. But each time she thinks she is finally getting somewhere, she's bitterly disappointed. Another red line through a list of exes. And that was before the night of the Big Fallout that left her even more alone.

Then along comes James--wonderful, handsome James--and Natalie thinks her luck has finally turned. Maybe he's the one for her. Maybe he's the one she's been waiting for all along. Maybe he won't wind up dead.

But the harder Natalie tries to be a "normal" wife, the more world-upending truths are brought to her door, leaving her unsure of who she really is, and much less what she'll do . . . leaving her to question whether there is a monster within her or whether there is a villain toying with her from the outside.

What's the secret story behind Natalie's dead exes? Will she and James survive their marriage? And do either of them deserve to?

Review Quotes

Praise for The Exes
"The Exes explodes out the gate and never lets up, delivering twist after shocking twist right up until its deeply affecting end. A razor-sharp debut about the secrets we keep even from ourselves."
--Ana Reyes, New York Times bestselling author of The House in the Pines

"An exquisitely written wild ride of a story full of complex characters, taut suspense and plot twists you won't see coming."
--Jessica George, New York Times bestselling author of Maame

"In addition to being full of unexpected twists and turns, The Exes is beautifully written with profound things to say about family and the lengths we'll go to protect the ones we love."
--Tasha Coryell, author of Love Letters to a Serial Killer

"An excellent read: entertaining, intriguing and exciting. Bravo!"
--Liz Nugent, bestselling author of Strange Sally Diamond

"Darlington's promising debut has more twists than a bag of pretzels, and the shifts in point-of-view and time periods are sure to keep readers guessing. Domestic suspense fans will enjoy the revenge fantasy element--there's deep satisfaction to be had when certain people get their comeuppance--and themes of grief and family provide emotional heft."
--Booklist

"This is the book I've been hungry for. Sharp and smart, The Exes grips with a well orchestrated story, while exploring deeper themes with a deft hand and underlying humour."
--Mary Watson, author of The Cleaner

"In [her] nail-biting debut. . . Darlington keeps the pace fleet and the twists flying as she perceptively explores the contradictory power dynamics of contemporary heterosexual romance. It's a promising first outing."
--Publisher's Weekly

"[A] twisted, twisty thriller. . . . Unlike some thriller writers...Darlington manages to include some genuine surprises, weaving themes of mental illness and family trauma with a sense of mystery. At the center of it all is Natalie herself: flawed, mistreated, and distrustful, but also strong. She, and Darlington, refuse to let bad men get away with doing bad things."
--Kirkus

"Twisting and unexpected, Leodora Darlington is set to be a breakout thriller big name with a plot that constantly wrong-foots you. Natalie and her husband are in a bad way: their marriage is crumbling and, most concerning of all, Natalie has a knife in her hand, and she's been here before..."
--Stylist

About the Author

Leodora Darlington is a writer from London with Ghanaian heritage. She received a distinction for her masters in creative writing from Brunel University of London. A Bookseller Rising Star in 2021, Leodora is also an editor and has published a range of bestselling fiction. The Exes is her debut novel.