Books The Ex: An unputdownable psychological thriller with a heartstopping twist  by Freida McFadden

The Ex by Freida McFadden is a psychological thriller that revolves around a tense and twisting story involving relationships, jealousy, and secrets. The plot alternates perspectives primarily between Cassie, a struggling bookstore owner who begins dating a doctor named Joel, and an unnamed woman initially presented as Joel's obsessive ex-girlfriend.

Cassie is thrilled to be with Joel but quickly becomes uneasy as she learns about his past relationship with Francesca, a beautiful and brilliant chef who was deeply loved by Joel and his friends. Strange and threatening incidents, such as vandalism and stalking, begin to plague Cassie, leading her to suspect Francesca might not be truly gone despite believing she was.

The narrative deepens as it reveals complex and dark dynamics: the ex-girlfriend stalking Joel’s new partner is actually Anna, a character connected to Joel and Cassie’s social circle, who harbors intense resentment and secrets. A major plot twist reveals the intertwined deception and psychological manipulation, with themes exploring jealousy, heartbreak, the impact of wealth inequality, and the devastating effects of personal trauma.

The story builds to a suspenseful climax involving betrayal, attempted murder, and revelations about the true nature of the characters’ relationships. Ultimately, the novel is described as unputdownable due to its heartstopping twists and psychological intensity, making it a gripping thriller about love, obsession, and survival.