The Golden Cage by Camilla Lackberg, Translated by Neil Smith (Knopf)
October 6, 2020
Dear Mr Hemingway,
I am skipping the small talk today and launching right into my most recent read. Where has author Camilla Lackberg been all my life? This Swedish gem’s latest crime novel, The Golden Cage, was the reading buzz I so fancied! I cannot believe I am just now discovering her. I guess I was hiding under a ginormous rock. A lavish tale of a scorned wife and her tangled plot to seek revenge on the man she once loved. Billionaire husbands, polished wives, luxurious lifestyles, and affairs to remember…can you say D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S? Revenge paired with a glass of cozy Cabernet makes for the perfect evening of reading and relaxation. Let’s take a peek into this guilty pleasure.
Meet Faye and Jack. These two gorgeous and intelligent lovebirds met in business school in Sweden (so yes…this book takes place in Sweden). Here is their tale… it’s as old – as – time. Girl marries a boy. Girl gives up everything to support her thriving husband and stays home to “manage” the household (AKA…staff) and raise the kids. Husband grows bored of his wife and desires a new and shiny toy to play with, requiring massive cheating with hot younger women. Husband divorces wife leaving her with “nada”. Hmmm, not a fan of this guy, but now what? Faye’s heart is broken and she is left with nothing. But let me tell you this, she is far from a wet noodle crying herself into a puddle. She wants REVENGE and will stop at nothing to get it. Jack and his lucrative business would not be so successful if it weren’t for Faye and her feminine brain power. She may appear like the glossy subservient wife who “has it all”, but no more. Faye has a past that tends to rear its ugly head when pushed too far, turning her into someone you DO NOT want to cross. Watch out Jack! Your overinflated ego is about to pop!
The Golden Cage was a smashing read. The atmosphere had glitz, glam and a killer sexual vibe that will make your cheeks bloom! Faye was the heroine of this story. Fool her once, shame on you. Forget about fooling her twice..not happening. I loved her childhood flashbacks and her journey away from Jack. Yes there was a crime or two in this book, but Lackberg’s story was also filled with motherly love, complicated pasts and deep friendships. Her suspenseful psycological crime novel is accessible to the novice crime reader. It is not too gory or ladened with over the top graphic details (just a few), which deter the sensitive reader. Her novel does leave the door open to quite a few intense sex scenes. If that is not your jam, you can easily skim over them. If you can tolerate the steam, go for it. I personally loved all the extra heat. It made it all the more intriguing. It may have been a slow burn for a good portion of the book, but still hold onto the wheel, twists and turns will come your way…just wait and see. The Golden Cage was the perfect distraction from the weekday grind. Sit back, relax and enjoy this juicy read…you are worth it!
Until next time my friend!
Your Biggest Fan,
Kelly
P.S. Be sure to check out Camilla Lackberg’s website. She is one hot ticket. I will be reading more of her books ASAP!
Click on the book pic below to purchase!
