Review: The Ex by Alafair Burke

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 1005 KB
• Print Length: 304 pages
• Publisher: Harper (Jan. 26 2016)
• Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers CA
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00X3N8S96

Book Description

 Twenty years ago she ruined his life.

Now she has the chance to save it.

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 three years earlier—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 and 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?

“With an all-too-real mass shooting in a richly-observed Manhattan as its springboard, The Ex is an expertly crafted, intricately woven novel that is as emotionally complex as it is riveting.” (Kimberly McCreight, New York Times bestselling author of Reconstructing Amelia and Where They Found Her)

“Intriguing, suspenseful, compelling, insightful, surprising, and thoroughly satisfying — The Ex is a great read.” (Chris Pavone, The Accident and The Expats)

“Strong characters and a plot that’s handled deftly, despite its complexities, show Burke at the top of her game here. This is a compelling legal thriller with a strong emotional component grounded in a solid rational base, with a final twist to boot.” (Library Journal, starred review)

“Features smooth, engaging writing; a sharp, funny edge; and characters worth investing in. Burke has created some memorable female protagonists over the years, but Olivia might be the cream of the crop.” (Kirkus)

“Gripping…. Olivia makes an appealingly bold protagonist…. Burke keeps the suspense high throughout, prying open mysteries of relationships and perception.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Burke’s female characters are always very involving, with big, strong voices.” (Gillian Flynn)

“A major talent.” (Harlan Coben)

“Burke’s novels always deliver and constantly surprise. They’re both addictive and utterly rewarding.” (Megan Abbott) 

About the Author

 Alafair Burke is the New York Times bestselling author of "two power house series" (Sun-Sentinel) that have earned her a reputation for creating strong, believable, and eminently likable female characters, such as NYPD Detective Ellie Hatcher and Portland Deputy District Attorney Samantha Kincaid. Alafair's novels grow out of her experience as a prosecutor in America's police precincts and criminal courtrooms, and have been featured by The Today Show, People Magazine, The New York Times, MSNBC, The Washington Post, USA Today, and The Chicago Sun-Times. According to Entertainment Weekly, Alafair "is a terrific web spinner" who "knows when and how to drop clues to keep readers at her mercy."

A graduate of Stanford Law School and a former Deputy District Attorney in Portland, Oregon, Alafair is now a Professor of Law at Hofstra Law School, where she teaches criminal law and procedure. Her books have been translated into 12 languages.

Alafair's work has been praised by some of the world's most respected crime writers, including Gillian Flynn, Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Karin Slaughter, Harlan Coben, Lisa Scottoline, Lisa Unger, and Nelson DeMille.

Learn more about Alafair at www.alafairburke.com

My Review


 Alafair Burke continues to impress me with her stand alone novels. The Ex is another brilliant suspense filled novel that reflects Burke's first hand knowledge of the legal field.

Olivia Randall, a New York City defense attorney, is contacted by the daughter of her former fiance. A man whose life she destroyed two decades ago. Now his teen aged daughter is pleading for her assistance...her father has been arrested. Can Olivia and her former fiance Jack put their pasts behind them so she can help him?

The Ex is a story that is ripped from today's headlines...mass shootings in the United States have been ridiculously commonplace. Jack's first wife was randomly killed by a mass shooter. He is a hero....

As the story moves along, Olivia starts to wonder if she ever really Jack. Author Burke is able to take the reader on a ride as the twists and turns keep coming. The Ex is hard to put down as the reader wants to know what is going to happen next. What is the truth...

The Ex is a well written suspense filled thriller that keep the reader riveted to the pages. Highly recommend.