Neil Smith (8)

I received the digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

It’s hard to know where to begin after reading The Golden Cage. It is a wonderful hard to put down book with a strong female protagonist although it might not appear that way initially. The story alternates between the present and the past providing insight into the main character’s personality, motives and ambition.

The story begins with a brief description of the ending which involves police telling her that her ex-husband has been accused of killing their 7 year old daughter, Julienne. This is where the author grabs your attention because the story then unfolds with a less dramatic fashion.

Faye Adelheim lives the luxurious life that most could imagine in their dreams. When she met Jack Adelheim at the School of Economics she was instantly drawn to his charisma and confidence. She was a top student when she left school to help support Jack and his friend Henrik Bergendahl become successful entrepreneurs of Compare. She had been instrumental in their success which she had hoped someday to receive recognition. Instead, she passively took satisfaction in being a mother to their daughter, Julienne.

Faye loved the life they had built amongst their affluent community. It was a far stretch from where she originated and to which she never wanted to return. She sacrificed a lot to reinvent herself from her traumatic childhood. She vowed to do anything she needed to keep her past hidden including never opening the letters from her father in prison. She found it easier to explain she was orphaned when her parents died in a car crash. After marrying Jack, it felt like her life was complete until Jack becomes more domineering and demeaning to Faye.

Craving the love and attention she never received as a child, Faye held strongly to her desire to ensure her husband was happy. Although she had helped build the business Compare which Jack and Henrik ran the shares holders had her sign a prenuptial agreement. She never worried since she never imagined what would eventually happen.

Fortunately, Faye always maintained a close friendship from her time at the School of Economics. Chris Nudahl was her adventurous and outrageous friend who would always tell her the raw blunt truth. They continued to strengthen their friendship much to Jack’s dismay. Chris is the type of friend everyone needs who will always have your back and always provide laughter when life goes astray.

This is a wild story of family, friendship, betrayal and revenge. It portrays women who come to recognize their importance and value. I must say that as the story progressed my deep sense regarding a mystery was spot on! I had hoped all along as it would just be the icing on the cake!
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