<b>A story of unshakeable belief and unbending faith from the author of <i>The Deceptions</i>.</b><br/><br/>'<i>The Watchful Wife </i>is assured and engrossing. As our crisp, clear-eyed narrator with more than one cross to bear, Ellen guides us through a tangle of ethical and emotional quandaries that feel both timeless and immediate, keeping us on her side the whole way through.' Jacqueline Bublitz, author of <i>Before You Knew My Name</i><br/><br/>'Leal's unusual perspective on the destructive force of an allegation gives this book real moral complexity...Nuanced, troubling and convincing.' Jock Serong, author of <i>The Settlement</i><br/><br/>Raised by her severe parents in a punitive and authoritarian church, Ellen's narrow world is upended when she meets Gordon, a fellow teacher. Responding to his interest with curiosity and, before long, pleasure, Ellen is both transformed and beguiled by the connection, love and laughter he brings into her life.<br/><br/>Three years later, a knock on the door changes everything. Two police officers have come to accuse Gordon of a shocking crime. Abandoned and reviled by those around her, Ellen steadfastly refuses to believe Gordon has done anything wrong. In a world of swirling suspicion, however, she will have to fight to protect him. <br/><br/>But what will that cost her? And what will she discover about him along the way?<br/><br/>A propulsive and provocative novel about love, faith and courage from the bestselling author of <i>The Teacher's Secret</i>.<br/><br/>'Suzanne Leal's books always grab me from the very first sentence and <i>The Watchful Wife</i> is no exception. It is intriguing, engaging and deeply moving from beginning to end. I loved Ellen from the first moment I met her.' Jane Caro, author of <i>The Mother</i><br/><br/>'Leal delivers an intriguing page-turner with emotional depth, nuance and moral complexity: <i>The Watchful Wife</i> is a truly gripping read from start to finish.' Mark Brandi, author of <i>The Others</i><br/><br/>'<i>The Watchful Wife</i> is a tense Australian thriller that reminds us: sometimes you need an outsider to fight injustice.' Jack Beaumont, author of <i>The Frenchman</i>