So begins The Doctor’s Wife, a stunning debut novel about four people and the cataclysmic intersection of their lives. Michael is a rising OB/GYN at a prominent private practice in Albany, New York; he also moonlights at a local women’s health clinic. But Annie, his wife, has become tired of her workaholic husband’s absences, and the soccer-mom lifestyle has worn thin. She begins a passionate love affair with bad-boy, fading celebrity painter Simon Haas—an affair that quickly goes awry when Simon’s wife Lydia, who is also the model upon whom he built his career, discovers the truth. Abortion, local evangelism, marital disenchantment, and the rifts of social class: Brundage takes on the fault lines of our era with a deft hand.
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"i read some reviews about this book that made me hesitant to start it. but i did anyway and i absolutely loved it. i liked the fact that it pushes the limit on humanity, morale, religion, and standing up for what you believe in. this book is about an OB/GYN who volunteers at an abortion clinic to help a friend. he knows there will be pro-life activists but he has no idea that theft, guns, bombs, affairs, kidnapping, drugs, sex, lies, and murder would all be entailed. dr. knowles tries to stand up for his beliefs while keeping his family safe and his marriage intact which proves harder than he thought. overall a very real and chilling read that you won't want to put down."
— ~bizbuff~ (5 out of 5 stars)
" I really liked this book. True, I could have easily done without all the sex and cursing, but as far as a thriller...excellent. I love Ms. Brundage's writing. There was a particular scene where the mistress and the wife encounter eachother and I felt like I was there. My husband said something to me and it made me jump...literally back into reality. Not for the faint of heart if you can't handle the more "grown up" scenes or the numerous (much too) explitives. If all that had been left out or taken down a bit, it would have gotten a 5 star from me. Nicely done Elizabeth. "
— Blessedutopia, 2/18/2014" I was sad to see it end. "
— Jen, 2/10/2014" I get involved in stories explaining why the characters act as they do. This psychological thriller did just that. The ending seemed a bit contrived. "
— Carol, 2/9/2014" Although a little disjointed in the beginning, I soon became immersed in this psychological thriller where each character pays dearly for the choice they made. "
— Jan, 2/7/2014" Great read. Definite thriller... loved the twisted plot and story line. Characters were awesome and the story was just a different read from what I've been choosing so it was really nice. "
— Ter, 2/5/2014" A good read for a rainy day. Suspenseful page-turner. Some characters believable more than others. I didn't understand Simon's need to stay with Lydia, no matter what she did - I found it annoying. The story unfolded beautifully, though ended rather quickly and abruptly. "
— Mika, 2/4/2014" Compelling to read. The chains of events through the suspense are intriguing as you follow the lives of the four main characters. I read the advanced uncorrected proof. I don't know how much changes, but the ending seemend a bit weak. But still enjoyable to read. "
— Jendolphina, 1/24/2014" Actually- pretty interesting "
— Amy, 1/21/2014" Fantastic thriller. As a conservative, I was not so offended by the 'liberal' convictions within the story. I may even reread this book at a later point in time! "
— Amy, 1/19/2014" Very well written. A few times I thought I was being 'directed' but then after reading the author's history, I found she was a screenwriter. I think that came thru a little, but the story is fantastic with interesting characters. Real life shown in all its ugliness and beauty. "
— Reggie, 1/17/2014" Disturbing. Good but disturbing. "
— Christy, 12/19/2013" I would give it a 4.5 stars (no half-sies available) it was really good, not what I expected, very haunting and it made me socially aware and...well, angry at the extremes some will go to to foist their beliefs on others. But I liked it. "
— Cara, 12/18/2013" Great page turner! Thanks for sharing, Gina! "
— Valerie, 12/7/2013" This book was one that made me have mixed feelings. I liked it and wanted the best for the Dr. and his wife but I do not have all same beliefs as them. Lydia the artist's wife really aggrivated me but I still felt bad for her as well. "
— Melissa, 11/7/2013" I liked this book overall and I enjoyed the subject matter. But it got confusing with so many characters. I didn't like the ending. It got far too melodramatic for my taste. "
— Rachel, 10/26/2013" An absolutely crazy book filled with crazy people, but.....i couldn't put it down. "
— Jenn, 8/22/2013" Starts slow but then picks up... "
— Bre, 8/15/2013" This book's agenda was pretty thinly veiled. "
— Kate, 7/28/2013" There's enough depression in the world w/o me reading about it! "
— Rebecca, 7/19/2013" Holy cow. That was messed up, but a page turner indeed. "
— Tiffany, 7/11/2013" This is one of the best books I have ever read. I loved it. It's a mixed up love story filled with plenty of suspense and excitement. "
— Samantha, 5/9/2013" Fantastic, taut, intricately-crafted. "
— Helena, 12/7/2012" Had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book, I was very pleasantly surprised. Great thriller, very hard to put down. I look forward to reading the author's other book. "
— Kris, 11/21/2012" this book brought each character to life and i felt myself reacting to their own sorrows and triumphs. in addition, it caused me to reaffirm some of my moral beliefs. overall rated: a great, thoughtful read! "
— Paulette, 9/3/2012" a quick read, cannot put it down type book "
— Barbara, 2/29/2012" I hated this book, it is dark and unbelievable "
— Diane, 2/18/2012" This book was a well written and set in the Albany area which added even more flavor. For book club discussions this would be a great pick - abortion, mental health, adultry... the conversation won't be dull! "
— Karen, 6/24/2011" It is a great easy read. Some of the plot twists I didn't buy into but well written. Perfect for a quick summer read. "
— Maryanne, 5/20/2011" Read this book a while back. I really liked it. "
— Cammie, 5/19/2011" I would give this book no stars if that were an option! While the story takes many twists & turns, there is not a single likeable character in this book. I kept waiting for one of them to draw me in, but it never happened.<br/><br/> "
— Ginny, 5/17/2011" The cover of this book first intruiged me becauuse it looks creepy. Than I started reading it and it kept me guessing. It kept me wanting to follow the story and it was ver enjoyable. "
— Samantha, 5/4/2011" This was a great book! I highly recommend it! "
— Chandra, 4/30/2011" suspenseful, romantic, great beach book, nothing too deep. "
— Lisa, 4/18/2011" I'm rather upset to claim that I've read this book. It was trashy with a disturbed plot & pro-abortion, very liberal views. The sad thing is that it was well-written, so I kept reading it HOPING for a change of heart. "
— Amy, 4/16/2011" It took me awhile to "get into" this book. There were parts I hated, parts I loved, and characters that were pretty easy to relate to. I'm glad I read it. "
— April, 4/12/2011" I didn't want to put this down! A bit vulgar for me at times but, definitely a page-turner. Don't be put off by the violence at the beginning. Most of the book is not a "crime" book. "
— Megan, 4/10/2011" Interesting read -- depressing b/c these things really do happen! I did like the ending and I think it's easy for just about anyone to identify with the main character (in a lot of ways). Lydia was just plain weird!! "
— Jeanie, 4/10/2011" This was a really great book to read. It combines a well-composed story with multiple perspectives centered around a blend of controversial topics, moral dilemmas and more. I was very impressed! "
— Lee, 4/5/2011" This book was very well written and had and plot that was some what of a page turner. Not my usual genre but I picked it up for $1 at the library book fair "
— Jennifer, 4/1/2011" HMMM... Certainly kept me turning pages but I was a little aggravated at the way women are made to act completely without a brain when an edgy artist pays them a little attention. Mental illness and anti-abortion religious nuts are a strange mix but sure makes for interesting reading. "
— Patricia, 3/18/2011Elizabeth Brundage is the author of five novels, including All Things Cease to Appear, which was named a Wall Street Journal Best Book of the Year in Thrillers. She holds an MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where she received a James Michener Award. Before attending Iowa, she was a screenwriting fellow at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles.
Robert Petkoff is an actor and audiobook narrator who has won a prestigious Audie Award and multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards and has been named an AudioFile Golden Voice. He has appeared on Chappelle’s Show, Law & Order, and Quantum Leap. His Broadway credits include Sir Robin in Spamalot, Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof, and Tateh in Ragtime.
Ellen Archer has narrated numerous audiobooks and has won several AudioFile Earphones Awards, as well as the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. She is an actress, and singer with a degree in opera performance from the Boston Conservatory. She has performed extensively on the New York stage and in regional theaters.