Buy new:
-44% $15.04
FREE delivery Monday, May 20 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon
Sold by: numberonestore
$15.04 with 44 percent savings
List Price: $26.99

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Monday, May 20 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Wednesday, May 15. Order within 18 hrs 10 mins
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$15.04 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$15.04
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon
Ships from
Amazon
Sold by
Sold by
Returns
30-day easy returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$9.15
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
Shipped fast and reliably through the Amazon Prime program! Book may contain some writing, highlighting, and or cover damage. Shipped fast and reliably through the Amazon Prime program! Book may contain some writing, highlighting, and or cover damage. See less
FREE delivery May 25 - 28 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
$$15.04 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$15.04
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Ex: A Novel Hardcover – January 26, 2016

4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 5,714 ratings

{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$15.04","priceAmount":15.04,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"15","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"04","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"g9mfolXqTTq38DfKa8pPni%2BaeIZ0KulWK1HKfgdCL%2B905Ybr%2F0lK2V5Yq35jRFtp1v6XnIuRmuaSfyq03NgNIcx7f3fz1mFWyIer1zS%2F4XdjsGJRInPCjZZT9GWzGfvV8VNd9iTdh%2B2nHKKCtMR%2FXOfQgxau%2FiwdyqKdeBs0RB0NxrX7iJBnayXU6zlybEl6","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$9.15","priceAmount":9.15,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"9","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"15","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"g9mfolXqTTq38DfKa8pPni%2BaeIZ0KulWsI0BvLUZ4n1hwDyAjbq1YPmGtyaLLkww1eKbXD18PWD7Y7fjpyD5IfOTp8lEOzIYHRpFnCe%2FsmdXYxIkv56WdltpWV4XS6s99mfPUa5%2FHlosjFP1QVmFpIRf5Dp8nAwf8Kahei1bThTjzOYA2WFh90jmoekmVwiG","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

In this breakout standalone novel of suspense in the vein of Gone Girl and The Girl on a Train, a woman agrees to help an old boyfriend who has been framed for murder—but begins to suspect that she is the one being manipulated.

And look for Alafair Burke’s latest heart-racing novel of psychological suspense, The Wife, coming in January 2018.

Twenty years ago she ruined his life. Now she has the chance to save it.

Widower Jack Harris has resisted the dating scene ever since the shooting of his wife Molly by a fifteen-year-old boy three years ago. An early morning run along the Hudson River changes that when he spots a woman in last night’s party dress, barefoot, enjoying a champagne picnic alone, reading his favorite novel. Everything about her reminds him of what he used to have with Molly. Eager to help Jack find love again, his best friend posts a message on a popular website after he mentions the encounter. Days later, that same beautiful stranger responds and invites Jack to meet her in person at the waterfront. That’s when Jack’s world falls apart.

 Olivia Randall is one of New York City’s best criminal defense lawyers. When she hears that her former fiancé, Jack Harris, has been arrested for a triple homicide—and that one of the victims was connected to his wife’s murder—there is no doubt in her mind as to his innocence. The only question is who would go to such great lengths to frame him—and why?

 For Olivia, representing Jack is a way to make up for past regrets, to absolve herself of guilt from a tragic decision, a secret she has held for twenty years. But as the evidence against him mounts, she is forced to confront her doubts. The man she knew could not have done this. But what if she never really knew him?

Read more Read less

The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

Frequently bought together

$15.04
Get it as soon as Monday, May 20
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Sold by numberonestore and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
+
$24.68
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 21
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Sold by ARO Books and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
+
$26.99
Get it May 21 - 30
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Ships from and sold by Fast Cat Books.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
These items are shipped from and sold by different sellers.
Choose items to buy together.
Popular Highlights in this book

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Riveting.” — Entertainment Weekly

“Burke tells a compelling legal thriller that will have readers baffled until the final reveal.... Burke knows how to write, and Olivia Randall is one of her most authentic characters. No one would object if this is the start of a new series.” — Lisa Ko, author of The Leavers

“Intriguing, suspenseful, compelling, insightful, surprising, and thoroughly satisfying ― The Ex is a great read.” — Chris Pavone, The Accident and The Expats

“Strong characters and a plot that’s handled deftly, despite its complexities, show Burke at the top of her game here. This is a compelling legal thriller with a strong emotional component grounded in a solid rational base, with a final twist to boot.” — Library Journal, starred review

“Riveting…. Burke’s protagonist, Olivia Randall, is a complicated woman with legal skills to match the Lincoln Lawyer…. Olivia proves she’s at the top of her game as a criminal defense attorney. And with her pacey plot and fascinating characters, Burke proves she’s at the top of hers.” — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

“With an all-too-real mass shooting in a richly-observed Manhattan as its springboard, The Ex is an expertly crafted, intricately woven novel that is as emotionally complex as it is riveting.” — Kimberly McCreight, New York Times bestselling author of Reconstructing Amelia and Where They Found Her

“Enjoyable.... There’s a great and satisfying surprise.... Worth the time.” — USA Today, three stars

“Features smooth, engaging writing; a sharp, funny edge; and characters worth investing in. Burke has created some memorable female protagonists over the years, but Olivia might be the cream of the crop.” — Kirkus

“Gripping…. Olivia makes an appealingly bold protagonist…. Burke keeps the suspense high throughout, prying open mysteries of relationships and perception.” — Publishers Weekly

“Briskly told and packed with plot, The Ex rocks. . . . A nifty bit of fine suspense.” — New York Journal of Books

“Superb…. Equal measures superlative mystery and crack courtroom thriller reminiscent of the great John Lescroart or the William Diehl classic “Primal Fear.” We literally never know what’s coming next, putty in Burke’s devilishly adept hands as she shapes a wholly satisfying and brilliantly constructed whiz bang of a tale.” — Providence Journal

“A deeply wrought, emotional story that transcends the crime at its core. This is perhaps her best work to date.” — Strand

“This thought-provoking novel is brilliantly crafted, with a compelling and complex plot.” — Bookreporter.com

“Burke’s female characters are always very involving, with big, strong voices.” — Gillian Flynn

“A major talent.” — Harlan Coben

“Burke’s novels always deliver and constantly surprise. They’re both addictive and utterly rewarding.” — Megan Abbott

“Superb.... Burke delivers a multi-layered plot that explores relationships and manipulation in a rich character study.... Anyone who has a former boyfriend―or girlfriend―will be able to relate to Olivia’s situation.... “The Ex” doesn’t let up until the final, believable twist.” — Florida Sun-Sentinel

From the Back Cover

Twenty years ago she ruined his life.

Now she has the chance to save it.

Olivia Randall is one of New York City’s best criminal defense lawyers. When she hears that her former fiancé, Jack Harris, has been arrested for a triple homicide—and that one of the victims was connected to his wife’s murder three years earlier—there is no doubt in her mind as to his innocence. The only question is, who would go to such great lengths to frame him—and why?

For Olivia, representing Jack is a way to make up for past regrets and absolve herself of guilt from a tragic decision, a secret she has held for twenty years. But as the evidence against him mounts, she is forced to confront her doubts. The man she knew could not have done this. But what if she never really knew him?

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper; First Edition (January 26, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062390481
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062390486
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 1.3 x 5.9 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 5,714 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Alafair Burke
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Alafair Burke is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of twenty novels.

Her most recent novel, FIND ME, has been called a "skillfully constructed, delightfully twisty thriller" (Booklist) and "a twisting, surprising, and satisfying new thrill ride" (Ms. Magazine). THE BETTER SISTER has been praised as “twisty” (BookBub), “mesmerizing” (Publishers Weekly), “fast-moving” (Library Journal), and “a non-stop thriller fest” (Suspense Magazine). THE WIFE was selected as a best-of-the-month pick by Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Entertainment Weekly, O (Oprah Magazine), and others. It is being adapted as a feature film, with Alafair writing the screenplay.

Her 2016 novel, THE EX, was nominated for an Edgar Award for Best Novel.

In addition to the standalone novels that have earned her a reputation as “a genius for plot” (Oprah Magazine) and “a virtuoso” of domestic suspense (Minneapolis Star Tribune), she authors “two power house series” (Sun-Sentinel) featuring NYPD Detective Ellie Hatcher and Portland Deputy District Attorney Samantha Kincaid. Alafair is also the co-author of the “Under Suspicion” series with Queen of Suspense Mary Higgins Clark.

Alafair's novels grow out of her experience as a prosecutor in America's police precincts and criminal courtrooms, and have been featured by The Today Show, People Magazine, The New York Times, O Magazine, MSNBC, The Washington Post, USA Today, and The Chicago Sun-Times. Harlan Coben has said she is "a major talent," and Dennis Lehane called her "one of the finest young crime writers working today" back when she was young.

A graduate of Stanford Law School and a former prosecutor, Alafair is now a professor at Hofstra Law School, where she teaches criminal law and procedure. She lives in New York City and East Hampton with her husband and two beloved dogs.

Learn more about Alafair at www.alafairburke.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram if you're prepared for a healthy dose of dog photos along with your book news.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 out of 5
5,714 global ratings
Clear Your Docket!  The Ex is Calling!
5 Stars
Clear Your Docket! The Ex is Calling!
Alafair Burke’s The Ex is an emotion-charged procedural gem. A guilt-inspiring ghost from attorney Olivia Randall’s past won’t stay dead. Former flame Jack Harris drops a triple murder case in Randall’s lap; Harris is the prime suspect. Against her usually sound judgement, Randall takes the case. Incriminating evidence mounts to a point of complete hopelessness I could feel. Burke’s characters are intricate, multidimensional beings, at once relatable, yet full of engaging quirks and surprises. She understands the siren curiosity of revisiting an old romance, and the hull-foundering reefs that lie waiting just below the surface. How many times have we been called by an ex, and later wished we’d let it go to voicemail? Burke winds tension into the plot like an archer’s bow. When she lets the arrow fly, the reader gets it in the heart. Get The Ex and clear your docket; obtain continuances for all your obligations. You will be in chambers for a while with this one.Robert Blake Whitehill, Author/Screenwriter, The Ben Blackshaw Series
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2016
This book kept me turning pages, anxious to find out what happens. Olivia Randall is a successful attorney. She gets a call one day from a frantic teenager asking for help for her dad. Olivia was once engaged to Jack Harris but hadn't seen him in years. Their relationship ended badly and she's always felt guilty about the way she started him. Jack had subsequently spent time in a mental institution. Right after his break-up with Olivia, his only brother and all the family he had left, was killed in a car accident. This caused Jack to have a psychotic break and he spent a year in a facility. But he picked up the pieces and moved on. He married Molly, they had a daughter, Buckley, and he became a successful writer. Then his wife was the victim of a shooting. So it's ironic Jack is now accused of shooting three people, one of whom was the father of the young man who killed Jack's wife.

Jack tells Olivia a rather bizarre story about him and a mystery woman he saw while out running and explains that was why he was in the vicinity of the shooting that day. But the woman he claims he saw doesn't exist, at least not under the name she gave him. As Olivia begins to dig deeper she begins to believe Jack is being framed. Or is he? Some things just don't add up.

This one had me convinced at first that Jack was innocent. Then a new stone would be overturned and I'd find myself wavering. Back and forth I went, never really certain until the very end what was true and what was not. The author did an excellent job of mixing things up. I liked the way Olivia and Jack's story was told through Olivia's memories of Jack rather than through flashbacks to another time. I hate when an author does that. In this instance, there was no break in the natural flow of the story. While I didn't care much for Olivia at first - she was involved with a married man - her character grew on me as the story began to unfold. She was tough, independent, and driven to succeed. Jack was very likeable and I sympathized with the difficult times he went through in his life.

This was one I didn't want to put down and definitely recommend.
10 people found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2024
This was a confusing read for me I really liked this book, but I did not like the end of this book. Widower Jack Harris has resisted the dating scene ever since the shooting of his wife Molly by a fifteen-year-old boy three years ago. An early morning run along the Hudson River changes that when he spots a woman in last night’s party dress, barefoot, enjoying a champagne picnic alone, reading his favorite novel. Everything about her reminds him of what he used to have with Molly. Eager to help Jack find love again, his best friend posts a message on a popular website after he mentions the encounter. Days later, that same beautiful stranger responds and invites Jack to meet her in person at the waterfront. That’s when Jack’s world falls apart. Olivia Randall is a successful attorney. She gets a call from Buckley asking for help for her dad. Olivia was once engaged to Jack Harris but hadn't seen him in years. Their relationship ended badly, and she's always felt guilty about the way she started him. Jack had subsequently spent time in a mental institution. There was a lot of twist and turns in this book I saw this book on social media and wanted to give it a try and aside from the ending it was worth it. As Olivia begins to dig deeper, she begins to believe Jack is being framed. Or is he? Some things just don't add up. While I did figure out who did it, I didn't like how this book ended it felt like it ended on a cliffhanger. This was my first-time reading. This author this book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2018
I like this author, and have enjoyed her other books. She’s a good writer, her characters are realistic, and I like her twists and takes on things.

This book started out compelling and interesting to me. But about halfway through, I started getting weary of the legalese and other aspects of the case. I mean, I get it, that’s the main story, but it got tedious to me.

I figured out “whodunnit” very early on; maybe that’s the reason I got tired of all the legalities and “did he do it ... no ... yes ... maybe ...” circles that went round and round. It was hard for me to believe that the two very intelligent and insightful women, and investigators, didn’t think of it. I ended up skipping to the end just to see if I was right. I was.

It’s not a terrible book, just not one I wanted to continue reading. I guess I wasn’t invested in the characters enough to keep caring, once I knew where it was heading.

On a sidenote, and this is not the author’s fault, nor did it affect my rating ... for the love of all things holy, can we please stop with every book being the next Gone Girl or Girl On A Train? PLEASE. It’s run its course, ok, whomever writes book blurbs? Enough.
24 people found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2024
I love a book where I can't see the end coming, and this one didn't disappoint. I did get an inkling when the confession finally came but it was well worth the read!
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2019
I'm a huge fan of thrillers, mysteries, etc and I've never read Alafair Burke? Wow, where have I been? I was hesitant because books that get a lot of press sometimes disappoint, but I started with the sample and was hooked. I just spent over eleven bucks for a book. I never do that. Well sometimes.... But not usually. This was a fast read for me, I read it even on break at my work. It's suspense driven for sure. I wasn't in love with Olivia, but i didn't dislike her either. I didn't really love anyone in this book now that I'm thinking about it, but still liked the book. Plot driven, good suspense, a good who dunnit. I figured it out but not at the expense of my enjoyment. The ending was a bit lackluster, but that's only because I wanted to keep going. I'll read another by Burke for sure!
One person found this helpful
Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
zanna bianca
5.0 out of 5 stars Un buon thriller
Reviewed in Italy on July 22, 2020
Con Alifair Burke so che si va sul sicuro. Ho letto quattro suoi romanzi e so che le storie non sono semplici thriller, ma raccontano temi femminili, spesso di abuso o violenza sulle donne. In questo romanzo, la protagonista è l'avvocata Olivia Randall, non proprio un'eroina senza macchia, anzi. E' una single impenitente, brusca, che si butta a capofitto nella difesa di un ex fidanzato accusato di omicidio, senza vedere oggettivamente il caso. Il libro sa mantenere la tensione fino alla sorpresa finale. Brava, come sempre.
Marleny Pirie
5.0 out of 5 stars You will never guess the ending.
Reviewed in Canada on September 5, 2018
I liked all the characters in the book. I liked how close the main character was with her ex. She knew him. It was a really good book.
Guilherme Tebet P de Figueiredo
5.0 out of 5 stars Interessante
Reviewed in Brazil on July 8, 2018
Segundo livro que leio da altora, esperava que seguisse o modo de escrita de The Wife. Apesar de ser ligeiramente diferente, a história é muito bem inscrita e te prende do começo ao fim.
Pooja Dabholkar
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book. Must read
Reviewed in India on June 4, 2019
Received book in good condition.
Lily M
5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING PAST INTRIGUE LOVE BOOK
Reviewed in Mexico on June 29, 2017
Is amazing how this book is written. Is natural, you feel like you are actually chatting with the people in the book. The unleashing is great and I think you will enjy everypart of this amazing book.