LocalLit book preview: ‘The Neighbor’s Wife’ is a novel that addresses domestic abuse

I have not read a thriller novel since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the last one being “A Simple Favor” by Darcey Bell.

Someone had recommended the movie to me and said I’d really liked it. So my daughter ordered the book for me - but the movie was better, I thought.

So I was intrigued when I stumbled upon this thriller by New Lenox writer Jeanne Meeks. I’ve already downloaded and plan to review it Tuesday in the LocalLit newsletter.

Amazon didn’t list a description for the print book, but I found this one on Google Books: “Henry Peale [an elderly World War II veteran} fell in love with Maggie 60 years ago and loved her until the day she died. On a bright summer day, he sees her gardening in the yard next door – her golden hair, her long braid, her straw hat. Excited to join his wife, he calls out to her but is disappointed when the vision turns out to be the new next door neighbor.

“From afar, Anna Croft brightens Henry’s days. He gardens when she gardens and is rejuvenated and content to be alive. Long after Henry puts his garden to bed for the winter, Anna shows up at his door barefoot on a snowy night. Her nightgown is torn, her face is battered, and she holds a bloody knife in her hand. Henry decides to take the blame for the stabbing.

“Though he knows he was a coward all his life, he makes it his mission to protect the young woman. With the support of Maggie and despite his children’s objections, failing health, and violent nightmares, Henry becomes the hero he was meant to be.”

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