The Banker’s Wife, by Cristina Alger

Annabel is left reeling when her husband, a banker at an elite Swiss bank, is killed in a plane crash in the Alps. As she uncovers secrets about his life and about the bank, her own life may be in danger. Meanwhile, Marina, an American journalist, is investigating the bank and its clients, and also finds herself at risk.

I sought out this novel because I so enjoyed Alger’s most recent novel, Girls Like Us. (The Banker’s Wife was written before Girls Like Us.). I liked this book a lot – it’s a competent thriller with a glittering, international setting, and features smart women as the main characters. I didn’t like it quite as much as Girls Like Us, mainly because Girls Like Us had much more emotional depth and more realistic, complex characters. Still, this is a well-crafted and enjoyable thriller, and I recommend it. I look forward to Alger’s next novel!