‘Promise Me Never’ by Liv Constantine is a fast-paced domestic thriller with mini cliffhangers and devious betrayals.
REVIEW
“Promise Me Never”
By: Liv Constantine
Rating: 4.2/5
Liv Constantine is the pen name for sisters Lynne and Valerie Constantine. Their best-known books which I really enjoyed were “The Last Mrs. Parrish,” and its sequel, “The Next Mrs. Parrish.” This latest book is a fast-paced domestic thriller with mini cliffhangers and devious betrayals. A woman engages in a personal investigation into the disappearance of her husband’s first wife.
Savannah Brooks, an aspiring writer works as an assistant to the best editor in publishing. She is excited to meet her favorite author, popular horror novelist, Bennett Bryson, who is working on a new book. He is handsome and charming. Upon meeting Savannah, he is immediately smitten with her. He even offers to read and critique her work. After a whirlwind romance they marry and move to Bennett’s huge, secluded home in upstate New York.
It doesn’t take long before the fairytale starts to tarnish. Bennett’s behavior becomes dark and controlling. He criticizes her work in a negative way, letting her know she will probably never be able to finish her novel. He also dictates her activities and makes it very clear that she is never entering his office where he spends most of his time. Savannah feels like she is living in the shadow of Bennett’s first wife, Poppy, who was a passionate artist. She died in a tragic accident but still seems to be Savannah’s rival for Bennett’s attention.
Bennett is definitely not who he seems to be. Savannah learns that prior to his marriage, he was engaged to two women who both mysteriously disappeared. Unsure of who to trust she tries to piece together the mystery linked to her husband. She learns that there is someone close by who not only knows Bennett’s secrets but knows Savannah’s secrets as well. She could be in grave danger.
The short chapters make this a fast easy read. I didn’t form a strong connection with any of the characters, except for Finn, the Great Dane, who was a welcome addition to the story. The ending is unexpected, even though it is a little unbelievable. But that’s OK, because the shocking twists and devious betrayals keep readers captivated. If you want one last book for the beach this summer, this would be a good one.
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Jacquie O’Neil and her daughter, Times Leader Media Group Publisher Kerry Miscavage, contribute to this column.