July 2, 2018
Phillip Rochester, the villain of British author Jakeman’s emotionally satisfying if farfetched debut, is precisely the sort of serial domestic abuser from whom women could use police protection; unfortunately for the women in his life—first wife Ruby, estranged spouse Imogen, and soon-to-be ex-girlfriend Naomi—in their unnamed British hometown, he is the police. And as Imogen has already learned, what his colleagues seem most interested in safeguarding is his reputation. But when Phillip gives Imogen an ultimatum to vacate the family home by the end of the month or he will sue for sole custody of six-year-old Alistair, she finally pushes back in startling fashion. What the desperate working mother quickly discovers is that while she still might not have the wherewithal to single-handedly outmaneuver the monstrous Phillip, there’s a way she just might succeed—with the help of his other exes. Jakeman creates a motley trio one can’t help rooting for, but even readers not put off by the more preposterous plot twists may find Phillip too noxious to stomach. Agent: Imogen Pelham, Marjacq Scripts (U.K.).