What do you think?
Rate this book
As Long as We Both Shall Live
What happens when you're really, truly done making your marriage work? You can't be married to someone without sometimes wanting to bash them over the head...
As Long As We Both Shall Live is JoAnn Chaney's wicked, masterful examination of a marriage gone very wrong, a marriage with lots of secrets...
"My wife! I think she's dead!" Matt frantically tells park rangers that he and his wife, Marie, were hiking when she fell off a cliff into the raging river below. They start a search, but they aren't hopeful: no one could have survived that fall. It was a tragic accident.
But Matt's first wife also died in suspicious circumstances. And when the police pull a body out of the river, they have a lot more questions for Matt.
Detectives Loren and Spengler want to know if Matt is a grieving, twice-unlucky husband or a cold-blooded murderer. They dig into the couple's lives to see what they can unearth. And they find that love's got teeth, it's got claws, and once it hitches you to a person, it's tough to rip yourself free.
So what happens when you're done making it work?
As Long As We Both Shall Live is JoAnn Chaney's wicked, masterful examination of a marriage gone very wrong, a marriage with lots of secrets...
"My wife! I think she's dead!" Matt frantically tells park rangers that he and his wife, Marie, were hiking when she fell off a cliff into the raging river below. They start a search, but they aren't hopeful: no one could have survived that fall. It was a tragic accident.
But Matt's first wife also died in suspicious circumstances. And when the police pull a body out of the river, they have a lot more questions for Matt.
Detectives Loren and Spengler want to know if Matt is a grieving, twice-unlucky husband or a cold-blooded murderer. They dig into the couple's lives to see what they can unearth. And they find that love's got teeth, it's got claws, and once it hitches you to a person, it's tough to rip yourself free.
So what happens when you're done making it work?
324 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2018
1031 people are currently reading
10189 people want to read
About the author
JoAnn Chaney
7Ìýbooks247ÌýfollowersJoAnn Chaney is a Colorado-based writer. Her first novel, WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW, is out now. AS LONG AS YOU BOTH SHALL LIVE is to be released in January 2019.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,060 reviews
December 20, 2018
4.5 stars
"So here's the thing: if you want to kill your wife, don't. Don't kill her, don't touch her. Ditch the bitch if you have to, get on with your life."
What a fantastic, fun, twisted, entertaining read!
One man. Two dead wives. How can that be? Matt and his wife, Marie, had gone away for a romantic weekend. They have been married for twenty-four years and have two daughters in college. Time away is precious and they have decided to go hiking. Some exercise, some fresh air, time alone, what could be better? But then Marie disappears off the side of a cliff!
As Matt summons help, a search party is gathered. Matt joins in the search for his wife, but as the search goes on, the local authorities begin to investigate the couple's lives, their relationship, and their marriage. They are shocked to learn that Matt was married before and his first wife died under questionable circumstances and that Matt was a suspect for some time. Hmm....now a second wife is missing and presumed dead.
One of the officers investigating this case is also being investigated as well. Like other reviewers, I don't think his back story was necessary. I didn't really mind it but at the same time, I also don't think it added anything to the story. It seems that more than one person in this book has secrets and something to hide.
So, I did a little happy dance about 56% though and thought "By George, I think I've got it!" and I was about 75% right! Yes, I am tooting my own horn as this is a twisty fun read full of secrets, deception, and lies. Nothing too overly shocking as it doesn't need to be. I was captivated by this wickedly fun married couple who could give the couple in the war of the roses a run for their money. There really is a thin line between love and hate!
"It was so easy, she thought, to keep your hate to yourself. To let it simmer like acid in your stomach. You started to live on it after a while. It fed you, kept you going, until you started to get hungry for it, and it became an active craving. A diet of anger and hate could slim anyone's thighs."
This book is told in alternating time lines and each chapter is headed with clever song titles/sayings and noting the year the action takes place. Chaney keeps readers on their toes, giving a little bit more info as the story progresses. She had me wanting more and more. With each little tidbit, she takes the reader closer to the truth. She lets the reader believe one thing and then quickly turns the table and has the reader believing something else. Detective Spengler points out in the book: There is HIS story, there is HER story and then there is the TRUTH! That about sums it up right there. Readers will yearn for the truth in this book because this married couple has secrets. Secrets can tear a marriage apart, but sometime secrets are the glue that hold it together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was sucked in and found this to be a clever and incredibly fun page turner. Not the-edge-of-your-seat-with-nonstop-action page turner but an what-the-hell-is-this-person-going-to-do-next type of page turner. I really enjoy deceptively wicked characters. The ones who have you fooled - up until that second when they no longer have you fooled. I like to do a silent little chuckle and recall this quote "Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!" by Sir Walter Scott.
I said it before and I will say it again: What a fantastic, fun, twisted, entertaining read! There is mystery, suspense, witty passages, doubt, lies, betrayals, scheming, deception- all of which make for a captivating book which did not disappoint this reader.
Thank you to Flat Iron books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
"So here's the thing: if you want to kill your wife, don't. Don't kill her, don't touch her. Ditch the bitch if you have to, get on with your life."
What a fantastic, fun, twisted, entertaining read!
One man. Two dead wives. How can that be? Matt and his wife, Marie, had gone away for a romantic weekend. They have been married for twenty-four years and have two daughters in college. Time away is precious and they have decided to go hiking. Some exercise, some fresh air, time alone, what could be better? But then Marie disappears off the side of a cliff!
As Matt summons help, a search party is gathered. Matt joins in the search for his wife, but as the search goes on, the local authorities begin to investigate the couple's lives, their relationship, and their marriage. They are shocked to learn that Matt was married before and his first wife died under questionable circumstances and that Matt was a suspect for some time. Hmm....now a second wife is missing and presumed dead.
One of the officers investigating this case is also being investigated as well. Like other reviewers, I don't think his back story was necessary. I didn't really mind it but at the same time, I also don't think it added anything to the story. It seems that more than one person in this book has secrets and something to hide.
So, I did a little happy dance about 56% though and thought "By George, I think I've got it!" and I was about 75% right! Yes, I am tooting my own horn as this is a twisty fun read full of secrets, deception, and lies. Nothing too overly shocking as it doesn't need to be. I was captivated by this wickedly fun married couple who could give the couple in the war of the roses a run for their money. There really is a thin line between love and hate!
"It was so easy, she thought, to keep your hate to yourself. To let it simmer like acid in your stomach. You started to live on it after a while. It fed you, kept you going, until you started to get hungry for it, and it became an active craving. A diet of anger and hate could slim anyone's thighs."
This book is told in alternating time lines and each chapter is headed with clever song titles/sayings and noting the year the action takes place. Chaney keeps readers on their toes, giving a little bit more info as the story progresses. She had me wanting more and more. With each little tidbit, she takes the reader closer to the truth. She lets the reader believe one thing and then quickly turns the table and has the reader believing something else. Detective Spengler points out in the book: There is HIS story, there is HER story and then there is the TRUTH! That about sums it up right there. Readers will yearn for the truth in this book because this married couple has secrets. Secrets can tear a marriage apart, but sometime secrets are the glue that hold it together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was sucked in and found this to be a clever and incredibly fun page turner. Not the-edge-of-your-seat-with-nonstop-action page turner but an what-the-hell-is-this-person-going-to-do-next type of page turner. I really enjoy deceptively wicked characters. The ones who have you fooled - up until that second when they no longer have you fooled. I like to do a silent little chuckle and recall this quote "Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!" by Sir Walter Scott.
I said it before and I will say it again: What a fantastic, fun, twisted, entertaining read! There is mystery, suspense, witty passages, doubt, lies, betrayals, scheming, deception- all of which make for a captivating book which did not disappoint this reader.
Thank you to Flat Iron books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 14, 2018
This book was so much fun!
Matt and Marie have been married for 24 years. They have two lovely daughters that are away at college, money, and a beautiful home. What more could someone want?
"There are two dilemmas that rattle the human soul. How do you hold on to someone that won't stay? And how do you get rid of someone who won't go?" ~ Danny DeVito, The War of the Roses
Matt and Marie decide to take a weekend away in hopes of rekindling their marriage. While out hiking Marie decides to take a selfie at the cliffs edge only to lose her footing and she plummets to the raging river below. A tragic accident.
Detectives Loren and Spengler think that Matt isn't being completely truthful with them and once they find out that Matt had been married before to a woman that also died in mysterious circumstances they no longer suspect he knows more, they know that he does, and they will stop at nothing to prove his guilt.
Of course there is way more than meets the eye with this one. If you think you have it figured out then I assure you that you do not. JoAnn Chaney will keep you on your toes for sure!
"Men kill their wives, women kill their husbands - you can't be tied to someone for any significant amount of time without at least considering knocking them over the skull with a baseball bat."
Now I'll admit that we get a lot of backstory on Detective Loren about an incident that takes place twenty years prior. These chapters took me out of the story a bit but the reason for the backstory does become clear toward the end so it isn't all for naught.
~ Final Thoughts ~
If you aren't married - rejoice! If you are - you will be side-eyeing your spouse throughout this entire book! Enjoy! 4 Entertaining stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Matt and Marie have been married for 24 years. They have two lovely daughters that are away at college, money, and a beautiful home. What more could someone want?
"There are two dilemmas that rattle the human soul. How do you hold on to someone that won't stay? And how do you get rid of someone who won't go?" ~ Danny DeVito, The War of the Roses
Matt and Marie decide to take a weekend away in hopes of rekindling their marriage. While out hiking Marie decides to take a selfie at the cliffs edge only to lose her footing and she plummets to the raging river below. A tragic accident.
Detectives Loren and Spengler think that Matt isn't being completely truthful with them and once they find out that Matt had been married before to a woman that also died in mysterious circumstances they no longer suspect he knows more, they know that he does, and they will stop at nothing to prove his guilt.
Of course there is way more than meets the eye with this one. If you think you have it figured out then I assure you that you do not. JoAnn Chaney will keep you on your toes for sure!
"Men kill their wives, women kill their husbands - you can't be tied to someone for any significant amount of time without at least considering knocking them over the skull with a baseball bat."
Now I'll admit that we get a lot of backstory on Detective Loren about an incident that takes place twenty years prior. These chapters took me out of the story a bit but the reason for the backstory does become clear toward the end so it isn't all for naught.
~ Final Thoughts ~
If you aren't married - rejoice! If you are - you will be side-eyeing your spouse throughout this entire book! Enjoy! 4 Entertaining stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 17, 2019
Till Death do us part, For Better or Worse, As long as we both shall live.
“My wife! I think she’s dead!� Matt frantically tells park rangers.
His wife has apparently “slipped� while hiking, and has fallen into the treacherous waters below.
But his first wife has also died under suspicious circumstances...
Could Matt be twice unlucky in love??
This book sounded exactly like the kind of thriller that I would love, but there was SO MUCH wrong with this book that it’s hard to know where to begin without giving spoilers, but this review will be “spoiler free�.
1. The beginning is HARD to follow..flipping between the deaths of Matt’s first wife, Janice, and his second wife, Marie. The story does this for about 35% and when the story is finally finding its rhythm, the story shifts to what is supposed to be a subplot.
2. The subplot, is that one of the detectives investigating the case, Ralph Loren, is also being investigated, and he may have felt that he was “above the law�. It seemed to me, that the book focused more on this, than on Marie’s murder, till the 82% .....Now we finally get back to the women.
3. The most well developed character was Detective Loren...perhaps the book should’ve been marketed as being about this VERY VULGAR detective, with the case about Matt’s two wives both dying suspiciously, the sub plot? (The case he is currently investigating, as he is being investigated himself? ) That is how the book reads, so perhaps the FAIL is in the synopsis and marketing??
4. The relationships between Matt and Janice, and Matt and Marie, are not well developed and I expected them to be. And, despite the fact that they share two daughters, their daughters appear in the book, only briefly, sticking around just long enough to be interviewed, not long enough to worry with or grieve with their father? So the family dynamic is not even explored with them.
5. We learn everything in the last 20% with the author TELLING you , instead of SHOWING you, what happened, and quite frankly the book will now resemble ANOTHER psychological thriller...the ONE that is even alluded to as one that Marie has on her night stand, and is one that she has read and reread, many times....
Unfortunately, this felt like it had bits and pieces of a lot of the psychological thrillers that I have read, therefore none of it felt fresh or original for a reader such as myself who reads a lot in this genre.
Perhaps a reader who only reads psychological thrillers on occasion will find this book more satisfying.
“My wife! I think she’s dead!� Matt frantically tells park rangers.
His wife has apparently “slipped� while hiking, and has fallen into the treacherous waters below.
But his first wife has also died under suspicious circumstances...
Could Matt be twice unlucky in love??
This book sounded exactly like the kind of thriller that I would love, but there was SO MUCH wrong with this book that it’s hard to know where to begin without giving spoilers, but this review will be “spoiler free�.
1. The beginning is HARD to follow..flipping between the deaths of Matt’s first wife, Janice, and his second wife, Marie. The story does this for about 35% and when the story is finally finding its rhythm, the story shifts to what is supposed to be a subplot.
2. The subplot, is that one of the detectives investigating the case, Ralph Loren, is also being investigated, and he may have felt that he was “above the law�. It seemed to me, that the book focused more on this, than on Marie’s murder, till the 82% .....Now we finally get back to the women.
3. The most well developed character was Detective Loren...perhaps the book should’ve been marketed as being about this VERY VULGAR detective, with the case about Matt’s two wives both dying suspiciously, the sub plot? (The case he is currently investigating, as he is being investigated himself? ) That is how the book reads, so perhaps the FAIL is in the synopsis and marketing??
4. The relationships between Matt and Janice, and Matt and Marie, are not well developed and I expected them to be. And, despite the fact that they share two daughters, their daughters appear in the book, only briefly, sticking around just long enough to be interviewed, not long enough to worry with or grieve with their father? So the family dynamic is not even explored with them.
5. We learn everything in the last 20% with the author TELLING you , instead of SHOWING you, what happened, and quite frankly the book will now resemble ANOTHER psychological thriller...the ONE that is even alluded to as one that Marie has on her night stand, and is one that she has read and reread, many times....
Unfortunately, this felt like it had bits and pieces of a lot of the psychological thrillers that I have read, therefore none of it felt fresh or original for a reader such as myself who reads a lot in this genre.
Perhaps a reader who only reads psychological thrillers on occasion will find this book more satisfying.
October 7, 2018
I knew I was in for a treat with JoAnn Chaney's opening paragraphs:
"So here's the thing: if you want to kill your wife, don't. Don't kill her, don't touch her. Ditch the bitch if you have to, get on with your life."
Man.. phew was this a ride! I think we've all be in a relationship and we've wanted to throw something at our partner's etc. Well.... I don't know about you but I CERTAINLY have!
Chaney's writing is dark, complex, witty, and darkly funny with a mix of sassiness. I don't think I've ever read a book that's marketed as a thriller that actually made me laugh. But, my friends Chaney will leave you on your toes.... with this deliciously giddy and evil thriller.
The novel begins with two wives each decades apart the were married to the same man Matt. Each wife is about to have their ultimate fate at the hands of no other than their loving husband Matt. OR is he?! So... the book sets up a portrait that you think Matt has killed his wives.... how can he possibly get away with murdering not once but twice?! But, is this dark web of lies true... can it be that plainly obvious that the husband is the killer?
The story alternates between 1995 and 2018 with dual perspectives of multiple characters which include Matt, his wife Marie, and Janice his other wife. Let me tell you this NOTHING is what it seems in this ride. Secrets, betrayals, and just enough of a twist that will leave you wanting more.
My only tiny issue with this one... was the story had a sub plot that in my opinion wasn't necessary to the storyline. It was a tad confusing and threw me off a little bit.
I think if you enjoy domestic thrillers and are a fan of secrets, lies, and deception than this is the perfect book for you.
Thank you to Netgalley and Flatiron Books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest thoughts.
4 sassy stars!
Published to GR: 10/7/18
Publication date: 1/15/19
"So here's the thing: if you want to kill your wife, don't. Don't kill her, don't touch her. Ditch the bitch if you have to, get on with your life."
Man.. phew was this a ride! I think we've all be in a relationship and we've wanted to throw something at our partner's etc. Well.... I don't know about you but I CERTAINLY have!
Chaney's writing is dark, complex, witty, and darkly funny with a mix of sassiness. I don't think I've ever read a book that's marketed as a thriller that actually made me laugh. But, my friends Chaney will leave you on your toes.... with this deliciously giddy and evil thriller.
The novel begins with two wives each decades apart the were married to the same man Matt. Each wife is about to have their ultimate fate at the hands of no other than their loving husband Matt. OR is he?! So... the book sets up a portrait that you think Matt has killed his wives.... how can he possibly get away with murdering not once but twice?! But, is this dark web of lies true... can it be that plainly obvious that the husband is the killer?
The story alternates between 1995 and 2018 with dual perspectives of multiple characters which include Matt, his wife Marie, and Janice his other wife. Let me tell you this NOTHING is what it seems in this ride. Secrets, betrayals, and just enough of a twist that will leave you wanting more.
My only tiny issue with this one... was the story had a sub plot that in my opinion wasn't necessary to the storyline. It was a tad confusing and threw me off a little bit.
I think if you enjoy domestic thrillers and are a fan of secrets, lies, and deception than this is the perfect book for you.
Thank you to Netgalley and Flatiron Books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest thoughts.
4 sassy stars!
Published to GR: 10/7/18
Publication date: 1/15/19
November 28, 2018
It's one of the best books I've ever written. Wow. 🤣😂🤣
March 25, 2019
Find all of my reviews at:
Meet Matt and Marie. Married for over two decades, financially stable and parents of college-aged daughters, they look like they could be on a brochure advertising what a successful marriage should look like. There’s just one problem . . . . .
Turns out it might be a case of the first time being so nice, Matt decided maybe he should do it twice as readers discover not only has Marie taken a fall off a cliff, but that wifey number one died in a house fire that was intentionally set!
Like so many other books . . . . .
Things get TWISTY! Oh so twisty. I can’t really say much more because DUH the getting there is all the fun. (Such fun!!!!) I said in my 2018 wrap-up I thought 2019 would truly be the year of the domestic thriller for me and boy was I on the money with that statement.
4 Stars instead of 5 because (a) I get sick of the every man is a scumbag narrative rather than simply dealing with the one scumbag at hand � especially when the author decided to wait until ¾ of the way through the book before beating the horse to death with this message and (b) while the police were a necessary part of the story, the subplot of the one detective’s own history was 100% unnecessary. This book was good enough without additional bells and whistles. Still highly recommended as a perfect “beachy read� if you prefer the stabby side of life : )
Meet Matt and Marie. Married for over two decades, financially stable and parents of college-aged daughters, they look like they could be on a brochure advertising what a successful marriage should look like. There’s just one problem . . . . .
Turns out it might be a case of the first time being so nice, Matt decided maybe he should do it twice as readers discover not only has Marie taken a fall off a cliff, but that wifey number one died in a house fire that was intentionally set!
Like so many other books . . . . .
Things get TWISTY! Oh so twisty. I can’t really say much more because DUH the getting there is all the fun. (Such fun!!!!) I said in my 2018 wrap-up I thought 2019 would truly be the year of the domestic thriller for me and boy was I on the money with that statement.
4 Stars instead of 5 because (a) I get sick of the every man is a scumbag narrative rather than simply dealing with the one scumbag at hand � especially when the author decided to wait until ¾ of the way through the book before beating the horse to death with this message and (b) while the police were a necessary part of the story, the subplot of the one detective’s own history was 100% unnecessary. This book was good enough without additional bells and whistles. Still highly recommended as a perfect “beachy read� if you prefer the stabby side of life : )
November 8, 2018
While this book incorporates some of the more trendy type elements found in today's mysteries and thrillers, it actually manages to still feel a bit different than the rest. I wouldn't say I was in love with all aspects of the story, but overall I was pretty darn satisfied.
Matt's first wife died under suspicious circumstances. Twenty some years later, he is hiking with his wife, Marie, and according to Matt, she falls off a cliff. While investigators search for her body, they have more than a few questions for Matt. Is he just really unlucky? Is he a murderer?
This one was a pretty crazy ride. Yes, some of the twists and turns aren't exactly surprising. However, this is an example of a book in which predictability works in the reader's favor. I was way more interested in watching the story unfold the way I thought it might rather than wanting to be shocked. That's not to say everything in the book you can see coming a mile away, there were one or two times I felt like saying "well-played, JoAnn Chaney, well-played".
I only have a few criticisms of the book. I didn't particularly care for Loren's backstory. I get why it was included, but I can't say I felt all that invested for most of it. I also thought some of the dialogue and writing was little over the top and felt like it was written just for shock value. It's not like I haven't heard most of it before, it's more of a case of in certain instances it was too much and didn't sound natural.
Overall, I think think this book is worth taking a look at if you like mystery/thrillers. It's not perfect and it definitely fits in the dark and disturbing category, but I found it to be a pretty entertaining read!
I won a free advance copy of this book in a giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
Matt's first wife died under suspicious circumstances. Twenty some years later, he is hiking with his wife, Marie, and according to Matt, she falls off a cliff. While investigators search for her body, they have more than a few questions for Matt. Is he just really unlucky? Is he a murderer?
This one was a pretty crazy ride. Yes, some of the twists and turns aren't exactly surprising. However, this is an example of a book in which predictability works in the reader's favor. I was way more interested in watching the story unfold the way I thought it might rather than wanting to be shocked. That's not to say everything in the book you can see coming a mile away, there were one or two times I felt like saying "well-played, JoAnn Chaney, well-played".
I only have a few criticisms of the book. I didn't particularly care for Loren's backstory. I get why it was included, but I can't say I felt all that invested for most of it. I also thought some of the dialogue and writing was little over the top and felt like it was written just for shock value. It's not like I haven't heard most of it before, it's more of a case of in certain instances it was too much and didn't sound natural.
Overall, I think think this book is worth taking a look at if you like mystery/thrillers. It's not perfect and it definitely fits in the dark and disturbing category, but I found it to be a pretty entertaining read!
I won a free advance copy of this book in a giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
May 1, 2019
Random thoughts on this book:
Man, this book was different than any other thriller I've read recently. OMG, the writing!!!
I haven't read this kind of writing in a book in a long, long time. If ever. It was very much adult and almost vulgar at some times, but it totally worked. I found myself laughing out loud at some parts by how graphic and vulgar some parts were. The thing is, it's totally realistic, especially when it comes to how cops talk with each other (my sister is one, so I've seen this first hand!).
The characters were all fairly unlikable and there was a mystery within a mystery. I knew pretty early on how this one would end, but I'm pretty sure that was the intention. The way it ended left me pretty satisfied. I can't give much more detail than this, because it would give something away, but it's a very solid read! I have Chaney's debut novel, and haven't read it, but understand it's based loosely off of the serial killer John Wayne Gacy, which intrigues me. I would recommend this to those that are able to tolerate some crass language, and humor added in to a murder mystery...pretty much anyone with a sense of humor. For some reason I also feel like Stephen King fans would enjoy this author. Pretty much anyone that enjoys a good police procedural, horror and graphic thrillers, this would be the book for you!
Man, this book was different than any other thriller I've read recently. OMG, the writing!!!
I haven't read this kind of writing in a book in a long, long time. If ever. It was very much adult and almost vulgar at some times, but it totally worked. I found myself laughing out loud at some parts by how graphic and vulgar some parts were. The thing is, it's totally realistic, especially when it comes to how cops talk with each other (my sister is one, so I've seen this first hand!).
The characters were all fairly unlikable and there was a mystery within a mystery. I knew pretty early on how this one would end, but I'm pretty sure that was the intention. The way it ended left me pretty satisfied. I can't give much more detail than this, because it would give something away, but it's a very solid read! I have Chaney's debut novel, and haven't read it, but understand it's based loosely off of the serial killer John Wayne Gacy, which intrigues me. I would recommend this to those that are able to tolerate some crass language, and humor added in to a murder mystery...pretty much anyone with a sense of humor. For some reason I also feel like Stephen King fans would enjoy this author. Pretty much anyone that enjoys a good police procedural, horror and graphic thrillers, this would be the book for you!
August 13, 2019
3.5 stars. Right away we’re told that it looks like Matt killed his first wife twenty years ago when she confronted him about his affair, but he gets off. Now, Matt is married to Marie and they have two daughters. They are having the sort of challenges you might have in a long-term relationship and go for a hike in the mountains. It appears that Matt might be responsible for her death, so now I was rooting for the detectives to get to what really happened. There are some nice twists, but ultimately, I didn’t love this book.
I appreciate NetGalley giving me the opportunity to review this novel.
I appreciate NetGalley giving me the opportunity to review this novel.
November 9, 2018
After binge-reading
As Long As You Both Shall Live
, JoAnn Chaney, I'm excited to continue on this writing journey with you. Matt and his wife Marie decide to take a hiking trip in the woods in order to salvage their deteriorating marriage. As they are hiking, they decide to climb up a nearby cliff and check out the scenery. When Matt steps away for a bathroom break, he hears his wife scream. When Matt returns, his wife Marie is nowhere to be found.
She must've jumped or tripped, he thought, so he calls the police to report the accident, in hopes of finding her. The police are not as optimistic about finding Marie alive, but are also not convinced that this was indeed an accident in the first place. Matt's first wife died in 1995, under similar suspicious circumstances. Detectives Loren and Spengler are assigned to this case and have lots of questions for Matt. They are hesitant to pursue Matt, but also believe that this case is more disturbing than just foul play. The two must dive into Matt's past to really see what he's about. Is this man a full-fledged murderer, or just a guy who's had terrible luck?
I know what you are all thinking right now. This sounds like a light domestic mystery with an obvious unreliable narrator—but, you are wrong! The mystery behind Marie's death is very intriguing, as was the mystery behind the death of Matt's first wife, Janice. The story really goes the extra mile that you wouldn't expect in a domestic thriller, and really dives into the lives of Matt, Marie, Janice, Loren, and Spengler. It's a lot more police procedural than I expected it to be, but the story is definitely gripping from the first chapter. The procedural aspect behind Loren and Spengler may not be as delicious as Matt's relationships with his wives, but the pay off is so much greater than I anticipated. I caught myself churning through the last section of the book in record speed. I ignored errands, chores, and my fiance, just to find out what exactly is going on!
As Long As You Both Shall Live will be one of those polarizing books of 2019 that we will all have an opinion about, that's for sure. Some of you will love it, and some of you will hate it. It's one of those books that will not leave you unmotivated to discuss. #BookClub2019 I do think that this book could definitely evolve into a series, since Loren and Spengler are both fun, and multifaceted. Even Matt making future appearances would be fun! Thank you Flatiron Books for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. As Long As You Both Shall Live will be released January 15, 2019.
She must've jumped or tripped, he thought, so he calls the police to report the accident, in hopes of finding her. The police are not as optimistic about finding Marie alive, but are also not convinced that this was indeed an accident in the first place. Matt's first wife died in 1995, under similar suspicious circumstances. Detectives Loren and Spengler are assigned to this case and have lots of questions for Matt. They are hesitant to pursue Matt, but also believe that this case is more disturbing than just foul play. The two must dive into Matt's past to really see what he's about. Is this man a full-fledged murderer, or just a guy who's had terrible luck?
I know what you are all thinking right now. This sounds like a light domestic mystery with an obvious unreliable narrator—but, you are wrong! The mystery behind Marie's death is very intriguing, as was the mystery behind the death of Matt's first wife, Janice. The story really goes the extra mile that you wouldn't expect in a domestic thriller, and really dives into the lives of Matt, Marie, Janice, Loren, and Spengler. It's a lot more police procedural than I expected it to be, but the story is definitely gripping from the first chapter. The procedural aspect behind Loren and Spengler may not be as delicious as Matt's relationships with his wives, but the pay off is so much greater than I anticipated. I caught myself churning through the last section of the book in record speed. I ignored errands, chores, and my fiance, just to find out what exactly is going on!
As Long As You Both Shall Live will be one of those polarizing books of 2019 that we will all have an opinion about, that's for sure. Some of you will love it, and some of you will hate it. It's one of those books that will not leave you unmotivated to discuss. #BookClub2019 I do think that this book could definitely evolve into a series, since Loren and Spengler are both fun, and multifaceted. Even Matt making future appearances would be fun! Thank you Flatiron Books for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. As Long As You Both Shall Live will be released January 15, 2019.
December 31, 2018
Matt and his wife Marie may have some issues, but they've been together for over 20 years. When they go for a hike, and Marie goes over the cliff, Matt is the first suspect in her death. In questioning if Marie's death was an accident or something more sinister, the detectives discover Matt's first wife was murdered. Either Matt's a terribly unlucky guy, or he's hiding something.
A twisty psychological thriller full of secrets. It seems everyone has something to hide. The main story of Matt and Marie is very engaging. In addition to their story, there is a subplot with an investigation into one of the police officers. This part of the book was not as interesting, and probably could have been left out.
The mystery seemed fairly straightforward, but then it got more and more twisted. This is not an obvious story, and I love that it kept me guessing. A page-turner for sure. Dark, intriguing, and clever. A good read for fans of domestic thrillers.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A twisty psychological thriller full of secrets. It seems everyone has something to hide. The main story of Matt and Marie is very engaging. In addition to their story, there is a subplot with an investigation into one of the police officers. This part of the book was not as interesting, and probably could have been left out.
The mystery seemed fairly straightforward, but then it got more and more twisted. This is not an obvious story, and I love that it kept me guessing. A page-turner for sure. Dark, intriguing, and clever. A good read for fans of domestic thrillers.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2019
As Long as We Both Shall Live will be going on my 2019 favorite shelf! The audiobook is fantastic! Everything I love in a good domestic suspense - dark humor and sprinkles of twists and turns throughout the entire novel. You must GO right now and get yourself an audiobook copy and enjoy the ride!
May 12, 2019
"So here's the thing: if you want to kill your wife, don't. Don't kill her, don't touch her. Ditch the bitch if you have to, get on with your life."
Wow - with an opening like that what is not to love! As Long As We Both Shall Live by JoAnn Chaney was a fun, twisty, dark and addictive read for me that I read in a day. This is the first book I have read by this author and I had seen mixed reviews on this one but for me it was brilliant. Don't pick this up unless you have plenty of time on your hands because it is a tough one to put down - but you need to read this book!!!
Matt and Marie have been married for 20 plus years now and things are a bit stale for them.. Both daughters have now moved onto college, they have money and too much time on their hands. They decide to have a weekend away to Estes Park and go hiking. Disaster strikes when Marie's falls over a cliff taking a selfie and falls into the running river below. Matt calls the police who immediately begin the search for Marie's body. As Detectives Spengler and Loren investigate Matt becomes the prime suspect, believing that he pushed her over the edge. And then they discover that he was married before, and that wife also dies in suspicious circumstances.
Thanks to Pan MacMillan and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
Wow - with an opening like that what is not to love! As Long As We Both Shall Live by JoAnn Chaney was a fun, twisty, dark and addictive read for me that I read in a day. This is the first book I have read by this author and I had seen mixed reviews on this one but for me it was brilliant. Don't pick this up unless you have plenty of time on your hands because it is a tough one to put down - but you need to read this book!!!
Matt and Marie have been married for 20 plus years now and things are a bit stale for them.. Both daughters have now moved onto college, they have money and too much time on their hands. They decide to have a weekend away to Estes Park and go hiking. Disaster strikes when Marie's falls over a cliff taking a selfie and falls into the running river below. Matt calls the police who immediately begin the search for Marie's body. As Detectives Spengler and Loren investigate Matt becomes the prime suspect, believing that he pushed her over the edge. And then they discover that he was married before, and that wife also dies in suspicious circumstances.
Thanks to Pan MacMillan and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
January 9, 2019
It’s official, this book is the very first one that I’m adding to my best of 2019 shelf! Yes, I realize that we’re just days into a new year, however this was such an original, engaging read I’m confident about adding it so early!
While I really loved the story itself, (I’m a sucker for a domestic suspense) what really made this one stand out for me was the authors style. There was something darkly humorous about the writing, black comedy at it’s finest that just reeled me in and never let go. Diving into Matt and Marie’s marriage was wickedly fun, they’re a unique couple to say the least and then there’s a heavy police procedural vibe as you also hear from two detectives working the case, Loren and Spengler. It was a nice balance and the whole book flowed really smoothly and just when you get settled in and think you know where things are going, you get knocked on the ass with some twists. I never would’ve worked out the end on my own which I love, highly recommended if you want something that reads fresh.
As Long As We Both Shall Live in three words: Wicked, Addictive and Unpredictable.
While I really loved the story itself, (I’m a sucker for a domestic suspense) what really made this one stand out for me was the authors style. There was something darkly humorous about the writing, black comedy at it’s finest that just reeled me in and never let go. Diving into Matt and Marie’s marriage was wickedly fun, they’re a unique couple to say the least and then there’s a heavy police procedural vibe as you also hear from two detectives working the case, Loren and Spengler. It was a nice balance and the whole book flowed really smoothly and just when you get settled in and think you know where things are going, you get knocked on the ass with some twists. I never would’ve worked out the end on my own which I love, highly recommended if you want something that reads fresh.
As Long As We Both Shall Live in three words: Wicked, Addictive and Unpredictable.
August 29, 2019
This is a crazy and entertaining read.Ìý
I didn't know where this novel was going me when I started reading, but the ride took me all around and left me spinning. Matt and Marie have been married for over 20 years and to celebrate their upcoming anniversary they go on a hiking trip where Marie accidentally falls off a cliff, or so says Matt.
Matt becomes a suspect and his chances of being cleared by the police are diminished when the detectives find out his first wife died under murky circumstances.
I enjoyed the story but found it convoluted at some points. My favorite character was Loren, one of the detectives who is good at his job but also great at cracking jokes. The novel is narrated from different points of view including Matt and the detectives working the case.
Overall, I liked the novel and recommend it to readers of mysteries and thrillers.Ìý
ARC provided by Publisher via Netgalley
I didn't know where this novel was going me when I started reading, but the ride took me all around and left me spinning. Matt and Marie have been married for over 20 years and to celebrate their upcoming anniversary they go on a hiking trip where Marie accidentally falls off a cliff, or so says Matt.
Matt becomes a suspect and his chances of being cleared by the police are diminished when the detectives find out his first wife died under murky circumstances.
I enjoyed the story but found it convoluted at some points. My favorite character was Loren, one of the detectives who is good at his job but also great at cracking jokes. The novel is narrated from different points of view including Matt and the detectives working the case.
Overall, I liked the novel and recommend it to readers of mysteries and thrillers.Ìý
ARC provided by Publisher via Netgalley
May 6, 2019
This book is an insight into the ups and downs of being married and the hurdles that some couples have to try and get over. Matt and Marie have been married for over twenty years. They have two daughters who live away from home. Matt and Marie have a love-hate relationship, but as a divorce costs are expensive, they stay together. They have tried everything to make their marriage work, they've even been to see a therapist. They go on a hiking trip to Estes Park, but while they are there, Marie falls from a cliff into a fast flowing river below. The book goes back and forth between present and past into Matt and Marie's relationship. There are so many twists that you'll find yourself second guessing everything. The question you will ask yourself is did Marie fall or was she pushed? You will need to read this really good book to find out.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Pan Macmillan and the author JoAnn Chaney for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Pan Macmillan and the author JoAnn Chaney for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2019
Tl;dr: The thriller that doesn't have the bells and whistles hype--but totally should as it's one of the best books of 2019. As Long As We Both Shall Live is a must read for fans of twisty and twisted psychological thrillers. And at the risk of sounding like every blurb/marketing copy that makes me roll my eyes: Think Gone Girl all grown up.
Yeah, I know, but hear me out!
As Long As We Both Shall Live is a bitter, biting, bracing read--a long hard pull at the rot that can fester not just within a marriage, but within oneself.
The summary goes like this--Matt's wife Marie has just died after falling off a cliff during a hike. Accidents happen, it's a tragedy, etc. Except Matt's first wife died in a fire. A fire only he escaped from.
The detectives assigned to the case--bitter, more than a little unhinged Ralph (Ralphie) Loren (who has his own past of secrets) and relative newbie Marion Spengler--aren't so sure that Marie's fall was an accident.
The thing is, the more they investigate, the more they realize there's more to Matt--and to devoted Marie--than meets the eye.
Who wants someone dead? Who is willing to do whatever it takes to get out of Matt and Marie's marriage?
And what did happen to Matt's first wife, Janice?
This summary? Only a surface scratch. There's a lot more going on here than meets the eye.
Now, I'm going to get into spoiler-light territory by talking about how I think As Long As We Both Shall Live is like Gone Girl--but all grown up.
S
P
A
C
E
Just
In
Case
Ok. In Gone Girl, Amy and Nick weren't exactly characters you rooted for, right? But Amy did have an entire childhood of being not just the longed for and only child, she was dissected on the pages of her parents' books--you can see where she got her crazy from to some extent, you know?
And Nick? Well, Nick had the capacity to love--once Amy, sort of Andi, then Amy in again (in an obsessive, terrified, and murder-y way)--and he had his mom and the memory of her, and, of course, Go--the rock who loved and supported him no matter what. Plus Boney was there to (eventually) be on Nick's side.
As Long As We Both Shall Live tears all of that away. Matt has no family, lived off his first wife while he was getting a college degree and then is with Marie, who spends two plus decades raising their daughters, keeping the house, always running the whole day to day thing that's life.
And Marie? No family either. And happy about her life? Not by a long shot. Not with any of it. Especially Matt.
The kids? They aren't too broken up about Marie. But they're even less fond of Matt, not even staying with him when Marie is gone. They are and were long gone, checked out of it all as soon as they could.
So, no family for Matt and Marie. Nothing and no one but each other for over twenty years.
And those twenty plus years have bound them into one big nightmare of a couple. Who do they hate more? Each other or the world?
And Loren and Spengler? Dealing with their own stuff and the case. No time--or inclination, more importantly--to find a connection with Matt. Or Marie. They are out to solve the case. Or one of them, at least. Matt and Marie aren't going to haunt them.
So we have that twisted thing--that marriage--that Matt and Marie had. And it's an all consuming storm of hate and destruction and all they care about is leveling the other.
This is Gone Girl stripped down to its raw livewire nub. There's no one to root for anywhere, no character to lean on, no past to partially explain away the destruction that two people can and will create for each other. Every secret exposes only more desire for annihilation between Matt and Marie. (Janice is a force of chaos too--and she has a long, long reach, claws sunk deep into Matt and Marie)
In short, this is what Nick and Amy Dunne could be in twenty years--minus anyone or anything to make them softer. (Aside: there is a cool girl here (Riley) but let's just say she's not of lasting interest. She's there to play a role--for Marie, but for Matt too.)
One of my fave quotes:
"" I started noticing she was watching a lot of true crime on tv. And there was that book that came out a few years ago, when the wife fakes her death and frames her husband for murder? You know the one? She read that thing over and over. Kept it on her nightstand. I finally went a picked up my own copy and read it myself."
"So your wife watches crime tv and reads some books, and that's how we know she's faking her death?" Loren looked incredulous. "Dude, I've been around the block more than a few times, and I've never heard anything quite as stupid as this.""
And there we are.
As Long As We Both Shall Live pays homage to Gone Girl even as it rips all the niceties of that book away. There's nothing but the cold, brutal, beating hard of love ripped open, ground down, and poured into a one-upshipman game of who can hurt who more to win.
Last line:
"Are we having fun yet?"
Oh yeah, we are.
Yeah, I know, but hear me out!
As Long As We Both Shall Live is a bitter, biting, bracing read--a long hard pull at the rot that can fester not just within a marriage, but within oneself.
The summary goes like this--Matt's wife Marie has just died after falling off a cliff during a hike. Accidents happen, it's a tragedy, etc. Except Matt's first wife died in a fire. A fire only he escaped from.
The detectives assigned to the case--bitter, more than a little unhinged Ralph (Ralphie) Loren (who has his own past of secrets) and relative newbie Marion Spengler--aren't so sure that Marie's fall was an accident.
The thing is, the more they investigate, the more they realize there's more to Matt--and to devoted Marie--than meets the eye.
Who wants someone dead? Who is willing to do whatever it takes to get out of Matt and Marie's marriage?
And what did happen to Matt's first wife, Janice?
This summary? Only a surface scratch. There's a lot more going on here than meets the eye.
Now, I'm going to get into spoiler-light territory by talking about how I think As Long As We Both Shall Live is like Gone Girl--but all grown up.
S
P
A
C
E
Just
In
Case
Ok. In Gone Girl, Amy and Nick weren't exactly characters you rooted for, right? But Amy did have an entire childhood of being not just the longed for and only child, she was dissected on the pages of her parents' books--you can see where she got her crazy from to some extent, you know?
And Nick? Well, Nick had the capacity to love--once Amy, sort of Andi, then Amy in again (in an obsessive, terrified, and murder-y way)--and he had his mom and the memory of her, and, of course, Go--the rock who loved and supported him no matter what. Plus Boney was there to (eventually) be on Nick's side.
As Long As We Both Shall Live tears all of that away. Matt has no family, lived off his first wife while he was getting a college degree and then is with Marie, who spends two plus decades raising their daughters, keeping the house, always running the whole day to day thing that's life.
And Marie? No family either. And happy about her life? Not by a long shot. Not with any of it. Especially Matt.
The kids? They aren't too broken up about Marie. But they're even less fond of Matt, not even staying with him when Marie is gone. They are and were long gone, checked out of it all as soon as they could.
So, no family for Matt and Marie. Nothing and no one but each other for over twenty years.
And those twenty plus years have bound them into one big nightmare of a couple. Who do they hate more? Each other or the world?
And Loren and Spengler? Dealing with their own stuff and the case. No time--or inclination, more importantly--to find a connection with Matt. Or Marie. They are out to solve the case. Or one of them, at least. Matt and Marie aren't going to haunt them.
So we have that twisted thing--that marriage--that Matt and Marie had. And it's an all consuming storm of hate and destruction and all they care about is leveling the other.
This is Gone Girl stripped down to its raw livewire nub. There's no one to root for anywhere, no character to lean on, no past to partially explain away the destruction that two people can and will create for each other. Every secret exposes only more desire for annihilation between Matt and Marie. (Janice is a force of chaos too--and she has a long, long reach, claws sunk deep into Matt and Marie)
In short, this is what Nick and Amy Dunne could be in twenty years--minus anyone or anything to make them softer. (Aside: there is a cool girl here (Riley) but let's just say she's not of lasting interest. She's there to play a role--for Marie, but for Matt too.)
One of my fave quotes:
"" I started noticing she was watching a lot of true crime on tv. And there was that book that came out a few years ago, when the wife fakes her death and frames her husband for murder? You know the one? She read that thing over and over. Kept it on her nightstand. I finally went a picked up my own copy and read it myself."
"So your wife watches crime tv and reads some books, and that's how we know she's faking her death?" Loren looked incredulous. "Dude, I've been around the block more than a few times, and I've never heard anything quite as stupid as this.""
And there we are.
As Long As We Both Shall Live pays homage to Gone Girl even as it rips all the niceties of that book away. There's nothing but the cold, brutal, beating hard of love ripped open, ground down, and poured into a one-upshipman game of who can hurt who more to win.
Last line:
"Are we having fun yet?"
Oh yeah, we are.
December 29, 2018
The synopsis of As Long As We Both Shall Live Sounds like something I would love - it seemed to be a twisty domestic thriller with untrustworthy characters. I don't know why the marketing team is trying so hard to present it in this genre. Although I was hooked at the beginning, this one ended up not working out for me.
This book is much more focused on the procedural aspect than the synopsis let on. I very quickly lost interest after pages and pages of cop politics. I occasionally enjoy procedurals, but they are definitely not my favorite. The back stories of the cops received a lot of attention, and I just didn't care. After a while, the chapters start alternating with something else going on in one of the cops' lives, which left me skimming a decent amount of the book.
I feel like this book tried way too hard to have 500 twists, and many of them felt inspired by two other popular thrillers from recent years (not going to name them to avoid spoilers). This story would have been more effective if it was simplified even a little bit. I wasn't a fan of the ending, and everything that I had been waiting for was all smushed together. It felt rushed after everything else had dragged.
This book is much more focused on the procedural aspect than the synopsis let on. I very quickly lost interest after pages and pages of cop politics. I occasionally enjoy procedurals, but they are definitely not my favorite. The back stories of the cops received a lot of attention, and I just didn't care. After a while, the chapters start alternating with something else going on in one of the cops' lives, which left me skimming a decent amount of the book.
I feel like this book tried way too hard to have 500 twists, and many of them felt inspired by two other popular thrillers from recent years (not going to name them to avoid spoilers). This story would have been more effective if it was simplified even a little bit. I wasn't a fan of the ending, and everything that I had been waiting for was all smushed together. It felt rushed after everything else had dragged.
January 29, 2019
This book is a thrill ride from the beginning, and one I didn’t want to finish! I thoroughly loved both reading the written word and listening to the audiobook expertly narrated by Christina Delaine, in a spirited and lively audio performance that is a perfect fit for the book. The writing has energy and charge, with earthy dialogue between an unhappily married couple in which the disgust and contempt ring all too true.
Joann Chaney plucks real life stories from the newspaper headlines and totally runs with it, weaving a creatively mind blowing backstory, while maintaining a complex, thrilling murder investigation throughout.
Smart, tough, no nonsense women abound, with sharp observations on marriage, on living and on working in a man’s world.
The many nuances of long term marriage are explored, from the mundane to the deep, dark secrets that often lie hidden under picture perfect facades.
Her characters are multifaceted and quirky. Wives for the most part didn’t embark upon marriage with ill intentions, but grew resentful over disrespectful behavior and hurtful, shameless indiscretions. One deputy in particular enjoys nothing more than dishing out raunchy, outrageous put downs, yet he proves to have a caring side also.
Joann Chaney doesn’t shy away from a good laugh, has a firm grasp on the investigative process, long term marriage, and is determined that her characters be real, flaws and all.
What more could I ask? It doesn’t get much better than this!
Joann Chaney plucks real life stories from the newspaper headlines and totally runs with it, weaving a creatively mind blowing backstory, while maintaining a complex, thrilling murder investigation throughout.
Smart, tough, no nonsense women abound, with sharp observations on marriage, on living and on working in a man’s world.
The many nuances of long term marriage are explored, from the mundane to the deep, dark secrets that often lie hidden under picture perfect facades.
Her characters are multifaceted and quirky. Wives for the most part didn’t embark upon marriage with ill intentions, but grew resentful over disrespectful behavior and hurtful, shameless indiscretions. One deputy in particular enjoys nothing more than dishing out raunchy, outrageous put downs, yet he proves to have a caring side also.
Joann Chaney doesn’t shy away from a good laugh, has a firm grasp on the investigative process, long term marriage, and is determined that her characters be real, flaws and all.
What more could I ask? It doesn’t get much better than this!
April 4, 2019
It has been said that marriage is much like a deck of cards. In the beginning all you need is two hearts and a diamond. By the end, you wish you had a club and a spade.
As Long As We Both Shall Live, is a devilish, devious, delicious read that makes you realize marriage can be murder. I mean, the author says it perfectly with, “You can’t be married to someone without sometimes wanting to kill them.....� Chaney gets 5+stars for this tale of martial terror.
As Long As We Both Shall Live, is a devilish, devious, delicious read that makes you realize marriage can be murder. I mean, the author says it perfectly with, “You can’t be married to someone without sometimes wanting to kill them.....� Chaney gets 5+stars for this tale of martial terror.
February 16, 2019
I was really excited about this one, but unfortunately it just didn’t work for me. It started off interestingly enough, but I hated absolutely every character, and really struggled with the plausibility of everything. I did see some of the twists coming, but some of them just seemed too outlandish and I struggled to suspend disbelief with this one.
January 15, 2019
I'm between a 2.5-3 stars
I really enjoyed the beginning of this book. The first sentence pulled me in and I had to know what was going on with a husband that would say that about his wife. WE soon meet Matt ,who's married to Janice, and we quickly learn they aren't happily married. Janice makes a discovery that leads them both in directions quite unexpected. Fast forward 20 years later and Matt is married to Marie who just happens to fall off a cliff while they are on a trip for their 20th wedding anniversary. Question is, is Matt killing his wives? If he is, will he get away with it? Enter the police and the story has a subplot involving one of the detectives, Loren, who's a real creep. I have to say, I wasn't interested in the backstory of Loren and whether he killed his partner 30 years ago. Going back and forth between the 2 storylines felt disorganized, almost as if I was reading 2 separate books tossed together to make one story. I also became less invested in caring about Matt and Marie as the story went on. It very much felt like the author was trying to write a story similar to Gone Girl. In the end, I found it pretty predictable
I really enjoyed the beginning of this book. The first sentence pulled me in and I had to know what was going on with a husband that would say that about his wife. WE soon meet Matt ,who's married to Janice, and we quickly learn they aren't happily married. Janice makes a discovery that leads them both in directions quite unexpected. Fast forward 20 years later and Matt is married to Marie who just happens to fall off a cliff while they are on a trip for their 20th wedding anniversary. Question is, is Matt killing his wives? If he is, will he get away with it? Enter the police and the story has a subplot involving one of the detectives, Loren, who's a real creep. I have to say, I wasn't interested in the backstory of Loren and whether he killed his partner 30 years ago. Going back and forth between the 2 storylines felt disorganized, almost as if I was reading 2 separate books tossed together to make one story. I also became less invested in caring about Matt and Marie as the story went on. It very much felt like the author was trying to write a story similar to Gone Girl. In the end, I found it pretty predictable
March 28, 2019
4 twisty stars!!! definite Gone Girl vibes!
May 20, 2019
*
*
As Long As We Both Shall Live by JoAnn Chaney. (2019).
Matt's wife Marie is presumed dead after falling off a cliff into a river. It's a tragic accident...but Matt's first wife also died in suspicious circumstances...
Is Matt a grieving husband, or has he just killed his second wife? Detectives Loren and Spengler dig into the couple's lives and discover that once love is involved, it's tough for someone to rip themselves free... so what happens when you're done making it work?
Ok so this book did not go the way I expected. I started it going yeah this is alright, fairly normal thriller but then it just went in this other direction that I wasn't expecting. Very clever! I really can't say more than that because I'm not one for spoilers haha.
The first sections of the book swap between 1995 (Matt's first wife) and 2018 (Matt's second wife) before focusing mainly on 2018. Matt was for me a pretty unlikable guy the entire novel but I think this is deliberate. There is a minor side storyline of events in Detective Loren's past; I really got into that storyline, it was very interesting.
This is a fun twisty thriller that I'd recommend for those that enjoy that type of book, and readers wanting to give the thriller genre a go.
*
As Long As We Both Shall Live by JoAnn Chaney. (2019).
Matt's wife Marie is presumed dead after falling off a cliff into a river. It's a tragic accident...but Matt's first wife also died in suspicious circumstances...
Is Matt a grieving husband, or has he just killed his second wife? Detectives Loren and Spengler dig into the couple's lives and discover that once love is involved, it's tough for someone to rip themselves free... so what happens when you're done making it work?
Ok so this book did not go the way I expected. I started it going yeah this is alright, fairly normal thriller but then it just went in this other direction that I wasn't expecting. Very clever! I really can't say more than that because I'm not one for spoilers haha.
The first sections of the book swap between 1995 (Matt's first wife) and 2018 (Matt's second wife) before focusing mainly on 2018. Matt was for me a pretty unlikable guy the entire novel but I think this is deliberate. There is a minor side storyline of events in Detective Loren's past; I really got into that storyline, it was very interesting.
This is a fun twisty thriller that I'd recommend for those that enjoy that type of book, and readers wanting to give the thriller genre a go.
December 20, 2018
I think perhaps JoAnn Chaney and I are not a good fit. In some ways, I liked this book better than her last one. The plot was fun and twisty. But it was grounded in the same universe, including a major subplot with one of the same characters, and I felt like the balance between the stories, and the pacing of the main plot suffered.
This is mostly a twisty murder mystery that's one of the more accurate GONE GIRL comps I've seen in several respects. (So many books claimed to be the next GONE GIRL when they were just books where bad things happened to women.) I don't think the way Chaney jumps backwards and forwards, often from character to character, works completely. It's better in the first half of the book than the second, where things start to feel stitched together in a rush.
It still could've been a 4-star book for me with the central plot, but in addition it has a major subplot (that wants to be full of surprises but is too obvious to work) with Detective Loren from Chaney's last book. I do not like Loren. At all. He is my least favorite kind of cop trope, there is nothing interesting or good about him, he is full of bluster and bullshit, he's terrible towards women and pretty awful to men, too. He sucks and I didn't enjoy any part of the book he was in, which made it hard to enjoy the book. The thing is, Loren is not even the primary detective on the main case, he's thrown in at the last minute. Before he's on scene we meet Marion Spengler, who's actually very interesting but as soon as Loren shows up she's relegated to the sidelines and I really missed her. I would have liked a book with just her and no Loren where we had some time to really let the twists play out so much better.
Ultimately I think with Chaney and I it's a tone issue. She has this very specific dark abrasive tone that rubs me wrong in a way I can't quite describe. I like her ideas, her plots are solid, her structures are interesting, but I just don't enjoy the time I spend reading her books. It's very much a me thing, this may not be an experience others share, but it still impacts my enjoyment pretty significantly.
This is mostly a twisty murder mystery that's one of the more accurate GONE GIRL comps I've seen in several respects. (So many books claimed to be the next GONE GIRL when they were just books where bad things happened to women.) I don't think the way Chaney jumps backwards and forwards, often from character to character, works completely. It's better in the first half of the book than the second, where things start to feel stitched together in a rush.
It still could've been a 4-star book for me with the central plot, but in addition it has a major subplot (that wants to be full of surprises but is too obvious to work) with Detective Loren from Chaney's last book. I do not like Loren. At all. He is my least favorite kind of cop trope, there is nothing interesting or good about him, he is full of bluster and bullshit, he's terrible towards women and pretty awful to men, too. He sucks and I didn't enjoy any part of the book he was in, which made it hard to enjoy the book. The thing is, Loren is not even the primary detective on the main case, he's thrown in at the last minute. Before he's on scene we meet Marion Spengler, who's actually very interesting but as soon as Loren shows up she's relegated to the sidelines and I really missed her. I would have liked a book with just her and no Loren where we had some time to really let the twists play out so much better.
Ultimately I think with Chaney and I it's a tone issue. She has this very specific dark abrasive tone that rubs me wrong in a way I can't quite describe. I like her ideas, her plots are solid, her structures are interesting, but I just don't enjoy the time I spend reading her books. It's very much a me thing, this may not be an experience others share, but it still impacts my enjoyment pretty significantly.
February 22, 2020
Matt and Marie Evans were made for each other. They both like getting the last word, manipulative, hateful towards each other, and wanted out of their marriage. In this twisted suspense of husband murders wife, you the reader follow a journey of a controlling woman and a salesman husband who thinks he can sale anything, including a pack of half truths.
Detectives Marion Spengler and Ralphie Loren start to investigate the death of Marie Evans who appears to have fallen off a cliff in Estes Park in Colorado. Of course her husband becomes a suspect after campers reported hearing a woman shout "No, don't" just about the same time. The investigation leads them back to the murder of Matt Evans first wife, Janice. Too many coincidences and similarities continues Matt Evans guilt and suspicion. Next enters a retired detective who tells them Janice Evans is not dead. She is alive. Let the thrill of the words on the pages of this book be your guide of who is fooling who. An excellent read. The end will not disappoint.
Quotes:
Sometimes she thought it was like screaming into a bottomless pit, but sometimes she was sure she could feel the ear at the other end, listening to every word.
But it was exhausting to be constantly giving and never getting anything back.
The secrets two people keep from the rest of the world, that's what makes a marriage.
Easy to follow, easy to swallow, like Matt always said.
Detectives Marion Spengler and Ralphie Loren start to investigate the death of Marie Evans who appears to have fallen off a cliff in Estes Park in Colorado. Of course her husband becomes a suspect after campers reported hearing a woman shout "No, don't" just about the same time. The investigation leads them back to the murder of Matt Evans first wife, Janice. Too many coincidences and similarities continues Matt Evans guilt and suspicion. Next enters a retired detective who tells them Janice Evans is not dead. She is alive. Let the thrill of the words on the pages of this book be your guide of who is fooling who. An excellent read. The end will not disappoint.
Quotes:
Sometimes she thought it was like screaming into a bottomless pit, but sometimes she was sure she could feel the ear at the other end, listening to every word.
But it was exhausting to be constantly giving and never getting anything back.
The secrets two people keep from the rest of the world, that's what makes a marriage.
Easy to follow, easy to swallow, like Matt always said.
January 13, 2019
"If you try to kill your wife without a plan, you will fail. There are plenty of assholes who do just that, men who decide to murder their significant other on the spur of the moment because they're angry or drunk or jealous or just plain tired of the nagging or they don't want to go through the hassle of a divorce, and they get caught. They always get caught."
And with that beginning, I was hooked and found myself spiraling my way into this crazy read. Men are known to be aggressive, conniving and manipulative at times. Cheating on their wives, making their wives feel they are going crazy and start questioning themselves. They think they're so clever.. but really, it's the women you don't want to piss off. Women are patient, calculating and when they have their minds set to something... well, you don't want to be on the bad side of their anger.
When in a relationship for a long time, particularly a marriage, things can start to get dull, complacent. The cute things you loved at the beginning are now nothing more than tingles under the skin that get more and more irritating. But then there are moments where you remember why you married that person... why you fell in love with them. And those are the things you grasp onto... for better or worse, that's a marriage, no? Matt and Marie take a hiking trip - a romantic trip to try and flame the embers of their long dilapidated marriage. Next thing you know Marie has fallen off the side of a cliff. Matt's wife has died... again. This isn't his first marriage where his wife has died and he has been exonerated. But where does the truth begin when the lies start to fall apart around him?
This book is all over the place but in a good way. I really enjoyed Spengler - and the advice her mom gives her "You squeeze all their balls now." Maybe I related to her because we're both 1/2 Korean and I understood the hassles she went through. I can only imagine how hard it is to be in the law enforcement field as a woman who doesn't get taken seriously enough. Her bite made me giggle on more than one occasion. I'm not sure if the background or side story within that field was really necessary but I also enjoyed it - along with the camaraderie between her and Loren.
There's a lot going on within this story. I found myself going AHA at around page 180 thinking I knew what was going to happen and I was half right... which hell, I gave myself a pat on the back for. But nope - it went just a tiny bit in a different direction.
Look, for avid thriller readers, this will be nothing too new. However, this is most definite binge worthy read. Short chapters, page turners and well, damn... I do love some crazy ass people so for me, pure love for this story. I also enjoyed the different headings for each section. Kept me singing in my head - like I need more noise there. ;)
Thanks so much Flatiron for this book.
And with that beginning, I was hooked and found myself spiraling my way into this crazy read. Men are known to be aggressive, conniving and manipulative at times. Cheating on their wives, making their wives feel they are going crazy and start questioning themselves. They think they're so clever.. but really, it's the women you don't want to piss off. Women are patient, calculating and when they have their minds set to something... well, you don't want to be on the bad side of their anger.
When in a relationship for a long time, particularly a marriage, things can start to get dull, complacent. The cute things you loved at the beginning are now nothing more than tingles under the skin that get more and more irritating. But then there are moments where you remember why you married that person... why you fell in love with them. And those are the things you grasp onto... for better or worse, that's a marriage, no? Matt and Marie take a hiking trip - a romantic trip to try and flame the embers of their long dilapidated marriage. Next thing you know Marie has fallen off the side of a cliff. Matt's wife has died... again. This isn't his first marriage where his wife has died and he has been exonerated. But where does the truth begin when the lies start to fall apart around him?
This book is all over the place but in a good way. I really enjoyed Spengler - and the advice her mom gives her "You squeeze all their balls now." Maybe I related to her because we're both 1/2 Korean and I understood the hassles she went through. I can only imagine how hard it is to be in the law enforcement field as a woman who doesn't get taken seriously enough. Her bite made me giggle on more than one occasion. I'm not sure if the background or side story within that field was really necessary but I also enjoyed it - along with the camaraderie between her and Loren.
There's a lot going on within this story. I found myself going AHA at around page 180 thinking I knew what was going to happen and I was half right... which hell, I gave myself a pat on the back for. But nope - it went just a tiny bit in a different direction.
Look, for avid thriller readers, this will be nothing too new. However, this is most definite binge worthy read. Short chapters, page turners and well, damn... I do love some crazy ass people so for me, pure love for this story. I also enjoyed the different headings for each section. Kept me singing in my head - like I need more noise there. ;)
Thanks so much Flatiron for this book.
January 29, 2019
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
As someone who has been married for a number of years, and actually experienced a divorce, this book is a really interesting reflection on the ups and downs of being married, and the complications and hurdles that every couple experiences in a partnership. Of course the complications are dialed up to 11 in this one, but other than the over-the-top characters and their insanely complex machinations, this book will hopefully remind readers to appreciate their marriage and hopefully make them feel even closer to their spouses. There's complicated, and then there's just flat out crazy.
Chaney chooses to explore the crazy side of marriage in As Long as We Both Shall Live. Matt Evans is visiting Rocky Mountain National Park with is wife Marie when she falls to her death off of a cliff. A frantic Matt runs to the park rangers to help them search for his wife in the river that flows beneath the cliff, but most likely she didn't survive the fall. After the search continues for a couple of days the police are brought into the investigation. They quickly learn that Matt was married to another woman in 1995, and that she died too under mysterious circumstances. Suddenly, everyone is wondering if Marie fell, or if Matt pushed her from that ledge.
What follows is enough twists and turns to make your head spin. I kept trying to guess where Chaney was taking the story, but she was always one step ahead of me. Without giving anything away, I feel as if this book is an homage to a popular thriller from a few years ago. However, Chaney takes that concept and turns it on its head more than once. This is a fast-paced, well written thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.
As someone who has been married for a number of years, and actually experienced a divorce, this book is a really interesting reflection on the ups and downs of being married, and the complications and hurdles that every couple experiences in a partnership. Of course the complications are dialed up to 11 in this one, but other than the over-the-top characters and their insanely complex machinations, this book will hopefully remind readers to appreciate their marriage and hopefully make them feel even closer to their spouses. There's complicated, and then there's just flat out crazy.
Chaney chooses to explore the crazy side of marriage in As Long as We Both Shall Live. Matt Evans is visiting Rocky Mountain National Park with is wife Marie when she falls to her death off of a cliff. A frantic Matt runs to the park rangers to help them search for his wife in the river that flows beneath the cliff, but most likely she didn't survive the fall. After the search continues for a couple of days the police are brought into the investigation. They quickly learn that Matt was married to another woman in 1995, and that she died too under mysterious circumstances. Suddenly, everyone is wondering if Marie fell, or if Matt pushed her from that ledge.
What follows is enough twists and turns to make your head spin. I kept trying to guess where Chaney was taking the story, but she was always one step ahead of me. Without giving anything away, I feel as if this book is an homage to a popular thriller from a few years ago. However, Chaney takes that concept and turns it on its head more than once. This is a fast-paced, well written thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.
May 11, 2019
A twisted psychological roller coaster ride! The characters are all a bit demented. The main couple - they love each other and hate each other. I’ve not experienced a con artist act like this one! This is a marriage like no other.
Clearly entertaining. I laughed out loud more than a few times; the writing was so spot on. Things we may think but don’t want to admit or say out loud, but this author; she says it right out, loud and clear and direct. And I found myself silently agreeing with her along the way.
My, my, this husband and wife - they have an odd, sadistic relationship. Neither one is an angel. They both like to play head games. Their two daughters who are now college aged are dysfunctionally damaged, as one would expect, by the time you get to the end of the storyline.
No spoilers or other clues about this book other than it’s different, it’s entertaining, and it will keep you guessing as to the surprise at the end. I enjoyed it - 4 stars overall.
Clearly entertaining. I laughed out loud more than a few times; the writing was so spot on. Things we may think but don’t want to admit or say out loud, but this author; she says it right out, loud and clear and direct. And I found myself silently agreeing with her along the way.
My, my, this husband and wife - they have an odd, sadistic relationship. Neither one is an angel. They both like to play head games. Their two daughters who are now college aged are dysfunctionally damaged, as one would expect, by the time you get to the end of the storyline.
No spoilers or other clues about this book other than it’s different, it’s entertaining, and it will keep you guessing as to the surprise at the end. I enjoyed it - 4 stars overall.
February 3, 2019
“As Long as We Both Shall Live�
Written by Joann Chaney
Review by Diana Iozzia
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for reviewing purposes.
I personally think I missed the mark when I read this book. This mystery / thriller book is best suited for fans of true crime news and media. I am one who very rarely enjoys watching and reading about these types of stories, so I felt that this book was not my type of thriller.
I disliked the way that this story is told. We first read from before both Janice and Marie are presumed dead. I have to warn: this book is nothing like you think it will be. There are twists upon twists in a way that was not entirely pleasant. We also read in perspectives about the detectives.
There are so many different aspects that I cannot tell, because this review is spoiler free. I might eventually plan to write a spoiler version of this review, but for now, you should be safe.
Matt’s two wives have mysteriously disappeared and been assumed dead. First, twenty some years ago. We have the most recent disappearance as our catalyst. We follow Matt protest his interest, but we learn less than comforting secrets about him and the wives.
My least favorite aspect of this book is the detective investigation. Detective Ralph Loren (ha ha, so funny) is the nastiest, most inappropriate and irritating cop I’ve read so far. His boys� club narrative is full of filthy language and just stupid dialogue. In this day and age, why would it be entertaining to write or read a character like this? We do not love to hate him, we just hate him. I would have much preferred the story to be completely apart from the detectives, just focusing on Matt, Janice’s, and Marie’s perspective.
About half way through, we are clued in on the secret. I do not think it’s a great secret, but it goes to show how many thrillers this book was ‘inspired� by. I enjoy one of the characters that comes out of this revelation. We also choose to sympathize or feel completely apathetic, while also questioning our moral stance on certain topics. Would you make the same decisions as these characters if you were placed in this situation?
In all, I did not enjoy this book. There were too many aspects I did not like. Too many twists led to an anticlimactic ending. I would read Joann Chaney’s writing again, but I would hope it would be different from this. She has a great writing style, but I believe she focuses on too little of what I like to read in a thriller. Some readers might enjoy this, but I just did not like it. I do not think it is a ‘bad book�, but it is certainly not my type. As I mentioned earlier, I recommend this to fans of true crime. I felt the stories were reminiscent of the case of Drew Peterson and possibly also Scott Peterson.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for reviewing purposes.
Written by Joann Chaney
Review by Diana Iozzia
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for reviewing purposes.
I personally think I missed the mark when I read this book. This mystery / thriller book is best suited for fans of true crime news and media. I am one who very rarely enjoys watching and reading about these types of stories, so I felt that this book was not my type of thriller.
I disliked the way that this story is told. We first read from before both Janice and Marie are presumed dead. I have to warn: this book is nothing like you think it will be. There are twists upon twists in a way that was not entirely pleasant. We also read in perspectives about the detectives.
There are so many different aspects that I cannot tell, because this review is spoiler free. I might eventually plan to write a spoiler version of this review, but for now, you should be safe.
Matt’s two wives have mysteriously disappeared and been assumed dead. First, twenty some years ago. We have the most recent disappearance as our catalyst. We follow Matt protest his interest, but we learn less than comforting secrets about him and the wives.
My least favorite aspect of this book is the detective investigation. Detective Ralph Loren (ha ha, so funny) is the nastiest, most inappropriate and irritating cop I’ve read so far. His boys� club narrative is full of filthy language and just stupid dialogue. In this day and age, why would it be entertaining to write or read a character like this? We do not love to hate him, we just hate him. I would have much preferred the story to be completely apart from the detectives, just focusing on Matt, Janice’s, and Marie’s perspective.
About half way through, we are clued in on the secret. I do not think it’s a great secret, but it goes to show how many thrillers this book was ‘inspired� by. I enjoy one of the characters that comes out of this revelation. We also choose to sympathize or feel completely apathetic, while also questioning our moral stance on certain topics. Would you make the same decisions as these characters if you were placed in this situation?
In all, I did not enjoy this book. There were too many aspects I did not like. Too many twists led to an anticlimactic ending. I would read Joann Chaney’s writing again, but I would hope it would be different from this. She has a great writing style, but I believe she focuses on too little of what I like to read in a thriller. Some readers might enjoy this, but I just did not like it. I do not think it is a ‘bad book�, but it is certainly not my type. As I mentioned earlier, I recommend this to fans of true crime. I felt the stories were reminiscent of the case of Drew Peterson and possibly also Scott Peterson.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for reviewing purposes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,060 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.