The Ex cover

The Ex

4.24 BLT Score
(190.2K ratings)
★ 3.85 Goodreads (184.4K) ★ 4.38 Audible (5.8K)

Why You'll Love This

When two women narrate competing versions of the same man, somebody's lying — and McFadden makes sure you can't tell who.

  • Great if you want: unreliable narrators and a love triangle that cuts both ways
  • The experience: tense and propulsive — dual POV keeps you permanently off-balance
  • Narration: Zanzarella differentiates both women's voices without overdramatizing
  • Skip if: McFadden's twist endings have left you cold before

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About This Book

When Cassie believes she's found her soulmate in the charming and devoted Joel, she's ready to build a future together. But lurking in the shadows of their seemingly perfect romance is Joel's former girlfriend, a accomplished chef whose presence still looms large among his social circle. As Cassie navigates the complexities of a relationship haunted by someone from the past, she discovers that some exes refuse to stay buried. What begins as typical relationship insecurities quickly spirals into something far more sinister, forcing Cassie to question everything she thought she knew about the man she loves.

Nicol Zanzarella delivers a compelling performance that captures both Cassie's vulnerability and growing unease with nuanced precision. Her voice work skillfully differentiates between characters while maintaining the story's increasingly tense atmosphere. Zanzarella's pacing allows McFadden's psychological thriller elements to build naturally, creating an immersive listening experience where every revelation lands with maximum impact. The narrator's ability to convey subtle emotional shifts makes this domestic thriller particularly effective in audio format, drawing listeners deeper into Cassie's deteriorating sense of security.