Book Review: The Echo Wife

The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey is a speculative domestic thriller that's very literary in style. It follows Dr. Evelyn Caldwell, a scientist who has developed a successful cloning program to make adult clones, mainly for body doubles of diplomats. However, her ex-husband stole her tech and used it to clone her, and her clone is a docile, domestic version that he has chosen to replace her with. But that built-in docility fails when the clone kills him, then turns to Evelyn for help. If she refuses, everyone will find out her work was not only stolen but is dangerous and her research will be ruined. If she helps, then she's complicit in a murder--and so much more.

I really liked this book. It wasn't as hard on the sci-fi as it could have been, but it still got all the points across. I really loved the way the clone blended seamlessly into a more classic domestic thriller plotline. The twists were also delightful!

On the downside, the ending wasn't as good as the rest of the book. I really wanted either a wrapping up or a sense of foreboding or something conclusive, but it felt to me as if the author just hit a point and was like "okay it's long enough," and sent it off.

Overall, it's a great read if you like domestic thrillers. It reminded me of The Girl on the Train (minus the whole unreliable narrator aspect). It's also a good one for anyone interested in clones and scientific ethics. It's not for you if you are not comfortable reading about domestic violence (partner or parent). 

Have you read The Echo Wife? Would you help your clone cover up a murder? Let's discuss in the comments!