The Wife You Know -- by Chad Zunker

 Not disappointing at all. It was a battle to take a break. The story gave very little rest and looks like it could be the start of another series. Author Chad Zunker has written them before.

This one was centered around the short, new, second marriage of Luke Driskell to an artist named Ashley, or so he thought. The circumstances, and his pursuit of the truths, taught him there's more he didn't learn in their courtship. There were plenty of other things he could only learn in a trek across the country, and with professional, high-level, help.

It starts when she steps unwillingly, and unknowingly into the spotlight by jumping out of her car to rescue eight children from a burning classroom. It was a great feat, but someone recorded it on their phone, and it went viral on the internet. Ashley wasn't the same after that, and in hiding until the end of it all on a remote, unnamed, far away island somewhere.

The story, without any further spoilers, involves China, and its ambassador's family, as well as a U.S. Senator, and the reader's ability to keep turning pages.

It's a terrific read, and many might find a battle within themselves on the length. It's just under 200 pages, and could be read in one sitting, if life doesn't call you elsewhere.

Zunker makes full use of modern things like Facebook, cell phones, and private jet travel. The Wife You Know was also almost flawlessly edited. Exceedingly close to perfection. Toward the end I found an instance where the word of was missing. The chapters were short and well placed, helping the reading speed, and reader breathing.

I found it enjoyable, and very glad I was selected to receive my review copy. An easy five-star selection.

Zunker is originally from the Houston-area and played wide receiver at Texas in the mid-90s while earning a Journalism degree.

I read a review copy sent in advance of the book's release.