Sally Hepworth’s The Soulmate is a fast-paced, intricately plotted domestic thriller that delves deep into the complexities of marriage, trust, and the dark secrets that can simmer just below the surface of even the most perfect relationships. Hepworth, known for her ability to blend psychological tension with emotional depth, delivers a story that keeps readers on edge from beginning to end, combining gripping suspense with a nuanced exploration of human emotions.

At the heart of The Soulmate is the couple Pippa and Gabe, who seem to have it all—a loving marriage, two young daughters, and a picturesque home perched on the cliffs of a small seaside town. But their idyllic life takes a dark turn when a woman appears on the cliffs one night, seemingly about to jump. Gabe, who has a history of talking down troubled souls from the same spot, rushes to help her. But this time, the woman falls to her death. What first appears to be a tragic accident quickly unravels into something far more sinister when Pippa discovers that Gabe knew the woman, raising the question of whether her death was truly an accident or something far worse.

Hepworth masterfully weaves the story from two alternating perspectives—Pippa’s in the present and the deceased woman, Amanda’s, in the past. This dual narrative structure adds layers of intrigue, slowly revealing how the lives of the two women are connected and how Gabe’s role in both of their lives is more complicated than anyone realizes. As Pippa begins to question the man she thought was her soulmate, the tension builds, and the lines between truth and deception blur in a way that keeps readers guessing.

One of the standout elements of The Soulmate is Hepworth’s deep dive into the dynamics of marriage and the concept of soulmates. Pippa and Gabe’s relationship is portrayed with a mix of affection, passion, and fragility. Their bond feels real—messy and imperfect, but undeniably strong. Yet, as secrets start to emerge, Pippa is forced to grapple with the darker aspects of their marriage, including the extent of Gabe’s manipulations and whether she can ever truly know the person she loves. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about how well we can ever know our partners and whether the ideal of a “soulmate” is built on truth or fantasy.

The psychological tension in The Soulmate is heightened by Hepworth’s skillful characterization. Pippa is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, whose internal conflict between loyalty and doubt resonates deeply. Her love for Gabe is evident, but so is her growing unease as the truth about his past and his connection to Amanda becomes clearer. Gabe, on the other hand, is enigmatic—charming, supportive, but hiding something that makes the reader question his every move. Amanda’s perspective provides an additional layer of intrigue, as her story unfolds with chilling revelations that keep readers engaged, even after her death.

Hepworth excels at crafting a narrative filled with emotional complexity, and her portrayal of mental health, grief, and the weight of secrets adds emotional depth to the thriller elements of the book. She sensitively handles the themes of suicide, guilt, and responsibility, making them integral to the plot without sensationalizing them. The novel explores how far people are willing to go to protect those they love and what happens when those protective instincts cross ethical lines.

While the twists and turns are plenty, some readers may find that certain plot developments are predictable or familiar, especially given the popularity of the domestic thriller genre. However, Hepworth manages to keep the suspense high by focusing not just on the twists themselves, but on the emotional fallout they create for her characters. This emotional investment in Pippa’s journey and her evolving understanding of her marriage makes the story compelling, even when the plot veers into familiar territory.

In terms of pacing, The Soulmate is a page-turner. Hepworth keeps the chapters short and punchy, with each revelation carefully timed to maintain tension. The atmosphere of the cliffside setting adds to the sense of unease, and Hepworth’s sharp prose ensures that the emotional stakes feel high throughout the novel.

Overall, The Soulmate is a gripping, emotionally charged thriller that explores the darker side of marriage and the secrets people keep from those they love the most. While it plays with some well-worn tropes of the domestic suspense genre, Hepworth’s skillful character work and the novel’s underlying emotional weight elevate it beyond a simple mystery. Fans of Hepworth’s previous works will not be disappointed, and those new to her writing will find themselves captivated by her ability to blend heart-pounding suspense with psychological insight. In The Soulmate, love and betrayal intertwine, leaving readers questioning the true nature of soulmates and the cost of devotion.