The Golden Cage

Woman with a secret marries a man who dominates her after she spearheaded a company with him that became hugely successful but they had a child and he convinced her to stay home and be the dutiful wife. It's sad to see how brainwashed she became, til she found him in their bed with his co-worker. In Part 2 she plots to get even, starts a company called Revenge and does just that, eventually bringing the ex and the company down. Very interesting Part 3. Intrigue throughout and extreme measures she takes along the way so that no one interferes with her plan with flashbacks to her traumatic childhood. It all comes out at the end, along with a closer that is somewhat surprising.

Ahh, what to say about this one? This was an interesting read, in so far as it kept my attention and kept me turning the pages. The characters on the other hand, well none were very likeable apart from Chris. Jack was an arrogant, awful shite! And Faye was no better! Really did not like either of them! But saying that, despite the awful characters, it was still a captivating read.

This was my first book by Camilla and I will definitely be reading more of her books!

One look at this stunning cover, and you know I wanted to examine this title further and get inside The Golden Cage. When I read the blurb I assumed it would be a different type of book for me but after actually finishing this book I can see why it is in the Mystery and Thriller category. The book alternates between Faye's past and present and is completely told from her point of view. I loved that aspect of this book because I love a novel that has strong female characters and this book has that in spades. She's given up everything for her husband, Jack, and their daughter, Julienne. And while she's not quite bitter about any of it she is desperate enough to do whatever it takes to keep Jack happy and keep her family together. To make matters worse she has nothing to her name after the divorce and the company that was started largely by her ideas and her sacrifices. The only thing left for her to do was serve a nice cold plate of revenge to those who have wronged her.

My only pitfall with this novel is that I had a hard time liking any of these characters. The only one I enjoyed to her fullest extent was Chris. There was a lot of bitterness and unwillingness to attempt forgiveness here, which I can understand because I think it is those two elements of the book that propel the story forward. I will say that Faye knew exactly how to use her feminine charms to her advantage and she used them very often when it gained her something. But, because of the flashbacks from her past it is very hard to root for. Faye's characterization was a bit hard to wrap my head around at times, because there were moments she felt like a borderline nut job and I wanted to ask her if she needed meds, but others where it was clear she cared about those around her.

I loved the pacing and found the story engaging and even though my theory on the ending was wrong I preferred the author's concept over my imagination. I do not want to give anymore away then I already might have but I will say that this is a solid four star read. I see on Goodreads that this is part of a series and I can not wait to see where this story goes next!

Thank you to Netgalley and all parties involved in my receiving an arc of this book.