More praise for The Exes

“A highly promising, emotionally engaging debut”
—The Mail on Sunday

“I absolutely loved this – an irresistible voice and jaw-dropping twists. So fucking good!”
—Katy Brent, Author of the How to Kill Men and Get Away With It

“An outstandingly clever novel where the twists are an integral part of the story and not imposed upon it. I was dazzled and enthralled.”
—Elly Griffiths, Author of the Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries

“Leodora Darlington’s debut novel explores the power dynamics of modern romance while also delving into the secrets we keep even from ourselves—putting a new spin on the classic unreliable narrator.”
—Marie Claire, "The 10 Most-Anticipated Mystery-Thriller Books of 2026"

“The Exes poses powerful questions about relationship trauma, and its connection to things of the past. An intriguing psychological thriller about love’s promises and perils, how trauma can leave invisible scars, and the veil between self-protection and self-destruction. This book is definitely for readers who don’t just consume stories, but interrogate them. And, the heightened level of suspense, coupled with the reader’s invitation to examine the complexities of the human heart, definitely makes this book a must-read.”
—Essence, "The Most Anticipated Books Of 2026"

“The Exes is such a fun, engaging read that once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put down.”
—E! News

“Gripping, surprising, addicting... I'm already thinking about diving back in to see what I missed... What a debut!”
—Jim Rion, Translator of Strange Pictures, Waterstones Book of the Year 2025

“The Exes explodes out the gate and never lets up, delivering twist after shocking twist right up until its deeply affecting end. A razor-sharp debut about the secrets we keep even from ourselves.”
—Ana Reyes, New York Times bestselling author of The House in the Pines

“An exquisitely written wild ride of a story full of complex characters, taut suspense and plot twists you won’t see coming.”
—Jessica George, New York Times bestselling author of Maame

“In addition to being full of unexpected twists and turns, The Exes is beautifully written with profound things to say about family and the lengths we'll go to protect the ones we love.”
—Tasha Coryell, author of Love Letters to a Serial Killer

“An excellent read: entertaining, intriguing and exciting. Bravo!”
—Liz Nugent, bestselling author of Strange Sally Diamond

“Twisty, daring and utterly addictive, The Exes kept me reading late into the night. A sharp, emotionally charged thriller from a brilliant writer. A knockout debut.”
—D. S. Butler, Author of the Karen Hart series

“The Exes has a clever set-up: a woman with a trail of dead fiances finds her current partner has been keeping secrets. What part did she play in the deaths of her ex-lovers, and how can she make sure history doesn’t repeat itself? The characterization is particularly apt, with seeming opposites yielding to slowly emerging parallels, revealing and structuring in equal measure.”
—CrimeReads

“Darlington’s promising debut has more twists than a bag of pretzels, and the shifts in point-of-view and time periods are sure to keep readers guessing. Domestic suspense fans will enjoy the revenge fantasy element—there’s deep satisfaction to be had when certain people get their comeuppance—and themes of grief and family provide emotional heft.”
—Booklist

“This is the book I’ve been hungry for. Sharp and smart, The Exes grips with a well orchestrated story, while exploring deeper themes with a deft hand and underlying humour.”
—Mary Watson, author of The Cleaner

“In [her] nail-biting debut. . . Darlington keeps the pace fleet and the twists flying as she perceptively explores the contradictory power dynamics of contemporary heterosexual romance. It’s a promising first outing.”
—Publisher's Weekly

“[A] twisted, twisty thriller. . . . Unlike some thriller writers…Darlington manages to include some genuine surprises, weaving themes of mental illness and family trauma with a sense of mystery. At the center of it all is Natalie herself: flawed, mistreated, and distrustful, but also strong. She, and Darlington, refuse to let bad men get away with doing bad things.”
—Kirkus

“Twisting and unexpected, Leodora Darlington is set to be a breakout thriller big name with a plot that constantly wrong-foots you. Natalie and her husband are in a bad way: their marriage is crumbling and, most concerning of all, Natalie has a knife in her hand, and she's been here before...”
—Stylist

“The Exes is a wild and twisty killer ride from a talent to watch.”
—Sam Blake, No.1 Irish Times bestselling author

“Super smart with twists that almost gave me whiplash, it makes for utterly compulsive reading. A stunning debut that stays with you way after the final page.”
—Steph Broadribb, Author of the bestselling The Retired Detectives Club series

“A twisty novel with lots of turns you don’t see coming. A great psychological thriller.”
—Red Carpet Crash