by Samantha Downing
narrated by David Pittu
set in Central Florida, present day

Book Review 4/5 Romance + Thriller = My Lovely Wife. Uneasiness crept across me from the first chapter. Going into this book blindly, I found it completely intriguing with a twist at the beginning- a “wait, what?” moment. I think Downing did a great job delving into the mind of our unnamed family man, although at times I found it hard to reconcile these loving parents with the storyline. Also, I wanted more from Millicent’s POV. Even though it felt like the book was lacking half the story the ending tied up all loose ends. Overall, Downing does a great job of laying out the clues like random tokens that you have collected along the way only to discover that they are actually pieces of a puzzle. This read picked up fast and the second half of this book was slightly predictable yet still exciting to read. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good thriller. Fast paced. Easy read. A little unbelievable, but fun in a fantastical way. Twist on the normal serial killer story.

Audiobook Review 4/5 Deep and disturbing. Pittu does a nice job with the range of emotions from murderer to loving father. He is expressive and engaging. As a bonus, he has narrated cleanly enough for me to speed up the tempo. This book is great for fast paced walking!

Book Food Review 4/5 Food has a satisfying presence, with an introduction at every punctual family dinner. Clean, healthy and controlled, my husband will appreciate this menu. 😉

Recipes

click on the photo to go to the recipe

Chicken Pho Soup

“When I get home, Millicent’s car is already in the garage. I think about putting the tracker on it again but don’t. She is making chicken pho in the kitchen. ” Chapter 53

Grilled Chicken Tacos

“Every time Millicent cuts a piece of grilled chicken, I think about her killing Lindsay.” Chapter 5
“We have tacos for dinner, made with leftover chicken, and they are delicious.” Chapter 15

Mushroom & Leek Risotto

“We are eating mushroom risotto, with leeks and baby carrots on the side, when my phone honks like a horn. Breaking news. Millicent reaches behind her and silences my phone. “Sorry,” I say. “Sports app.” She gives me a hard look. Phones are supposed to be silenced during dinner.” Chapter 47

Lemon & Spinach Hummus

“Any hope I have blows away like a dead leaf. Of course there is nothing on the tablet. Millicent would never be so stupid. “Also found a few recipes,” he says, bringing up some pdf files. “Stuffed mushrooms, huh?” “The spinach hummus dip sounds good.” I sigh. “You’re an asshole.” Chapter 65

The Nerdy Gourmet

Hi friends!! I’m Jenni, The Nerdy Gourmet. I love books and I love food. Combining the two with a splash of travel has become my passion. I am a self taught cook/baker and I believe that everyone can cook from scratch! I’m here with recipes and Nerdy Tips to help along the way.
I review books, mostly ‘read’ via audio, and I create recipes inspired by the story lines. Sometimes if I am deeply moved by a story, I will travel and try my best to experience the book- and bring you along via my blog! I provide all the photographs and content for the Nerdy Gourmet (unless otherwise noted).

More About Me

How to Create an Immersive PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Reading Experience on Pride and Prejudice Tea PartyNovember 16, 2023
[…] set, try some recreations of recipes from the book, like the white soup served at Netherfield or these tea-time…
nerdygourmet on TravelMay 17, 2021
Hi Claudia! I’m so happy that you’ve reached out. Thank you so much fir the kind words and the recommendation!…
Claudia Dickson on TravelMay 17, 2021
Hi Jenni, I heard your husband Greg talking about your new blog and so I thought I would check it…
nerdygourmet on Vianne’s Potato & Lardon SoupApril 22, 2021
It’s been awhile since I’ve made the instant pot version, I’m sorry.
lizziew10 on Vianne’s Potato & Lardon SoupApril 17, 2021
I plan to make this for my book club. Great idea. Do you happen to have the directions for the…