The Wife's Revenge: A completely nail-biting and totally addictive crime thriller

by Emma Tallon

She’ll do everything in her power to make him pay…

Bianca Capello is accustomed to the finer things in life. As the wife of notorious mob boss Alex Capello, she’s used to champagne on tap and getting the best tables in the best Soho night spots. She’s a long way from the grimy streets where she grew up, and she’ll stop at nothing to protect her glamorous lifestyle.

Cat Holden is new to the Capello family. As an accountant, she’s trusted to launder money through Alex’s many businesses and to keep everything she does a secret. Since she became a single mother to three-year-old Orla, Cat has learned that she’ll do anything to keep her daughter safe – even turn a blind eye to the Capellos’ dodgy deals.

When Bianca sees Alex and Cat getting closer, she can’t contain her rage, and she vows to get rid of Cat once and for all. And as Alex tries to salvage his own marriage, he fails to see his most dangerous enemy making moves to burn the entire family to the ground. Alex is left to make an impossible decision – save his marriage or save the family firm. But even he couldn’t have foreseen just how low Bianca would stoop to get her revenge. After all, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned…

If you enjoy Martina Cole, Jacqui Rose and Kimberley Chambers you will absolutely devour this gritty, gripping new book from bestselling gangland author Emma Tallon.

What readers are saying about The Wife’s Revenge:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Had me hooked from the first page to the last while sitting on the edge-of-my-seat… Highly addictive with heart-stopping twists and turns.’ NetGalley reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I absolutely loved it… Action-packed crime drama from start to finish… Addictive.’ Goodreads reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wow!!! is all I can say. I read this in one night… Twists all the way through… I’m already itching to read more.’ Goodreads reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Gripping. Tense. Suspenseful. Edge-of-your-seat. Riveting. Heart-pounding. Nail-biting. Adrenaline pumping. Pulse-pounding. Intense. Cliff-hanging. I truly enjoyed every single word that made this book a perfect whole.’ B for Bookreview

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I was hooked from the first page and couldn’t read it fast enough… I recommend this 1000%.’ Goodreads reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Juicy high stakes drama… delivers in spades.’ Goodreads reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Absolutely brilliant… Amazing.’ Goodreads reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Oh boy, oh boy, what a slammed on story. I loved it, could not put it down… Brilliant just brilliant!!’ NetGalley reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I couldn’t put it down… one absolutely brilliant read.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2025

About the author

Emma Tallon is a British author of gripping, gritty, organised crime thrillers.

Having worked as a freelance ghostwriter for several years, Emma decided to take the professional leap after the birth of her son and finished the first full novel of her own.

After months of rejection from publishers and agents alike, in December 2017 Emma signed a publishing contract with Bookouture for the first three books in the Tyler Family series. She has since gone on to sign several more contracts with Bookouture and has become an established name within her genre.

For more information on Emma or to join her mailing list, please go to: www.emmatallon.com or alternatively, follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/emmatallonofficial Instagram: @my.author.life or Twitter: @EmmaEsj

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in the ‘Capello’ family series and for me I was still ‘bedding down’ and getting to know the new characters ( previous was a massive fan of the authors other series’ so it takes a time to adjust )

Once did this was a good gangland read and for me came into his own after 50% when the wife ( re the title ) certainly did reek her revenge, Bianca has everything yet still not enougb for her, Alex is even willing to let certain things go that he knows about and carry on with the marriage….not good enough for Bianca who seizes an opportunity to take sides against her hubby with his brother, Antonio…

Cross the Capello’s at your own risk, even when family

Look forward to Book 3 and to see what happens next to the family and if the Capello name can continue to reign supreme in the dark gangland world they inhabit

[Brenda Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Tallon brings me so much joy.
The first book was a great setup - this one is next level.
I cannot read them fast enough. You must read this author.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell, hath no fury like a woman scorned.
When Bianca Capello sees the new firms, accountant Cat Holden get closer to her husband Alex. She is outraged and vows revenge. Bianca has always had the finer things in life and feels like it is slipping away with the relationship with her husband Alex and Cat forming. She will do anything to stop it even getting the help of the family outcast of Alex’s brother Antonio to do it.
The wife revenge By Emma Tallon is book 2 in the Capello family series and I absolutely loved it. This is another action-packed crime drama from start to finish. It is an addictive read of love and loss and family loyalty. With the last chapters keeping you guessing, I can’t wait to see what is instore in book three. 5 stars from me.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

She'll do everything in her power to make him pay...
Book two the Capello family London crime thriller.
Bianca Capello husband Alex and his new accountant Cat Holden.
And hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
This is the wife's revenge.
Oh boy oh boy, what a slammed on story. I loved it, could not put it down, chapters that come out of the book one by one, to let your brain and imagination run haywire.
Brilliant just Brilliant!!

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, it happened again! I could bury myself once more in a book by this fantastic author who masters the art of writing gangland crime like no other. It’s always a celebration when I can download one of her new stories that immediately demands my full attention — and I’m totally fine with that!

What did I think of the story? Here are a few words that perfectly describe how I felt:

Excellent
Fantastic
Wonderful
Amazing
Brilliant
Outstanding
Superb
Terrific
Marvelous
Incredible
Spectacular
Remarkable
Fabulous
Awesome
Phenomenal
Impressive
Was that clear enough? 😉

But was there any suspense? It was

Thrilling
Exciting
Gripping
Tense
Suspenseful
Edge-of-your-seat
Riveting
Hair-raising
Heart-pounding
Nail-biting
Adrenaline-pumping
Pulse-pounding
Intense
Cliff-hanging
And what can I say about the characters?
Some were

Mean
Rude
Cruel
Dishonest
Selfish
Nasty
Evil
Corrupt
Wicked
Immoral
Sinister
while others were

Kind
Nice
Friendly
Honest
Generous
Caring
Polite
Loyal
Trustworthy
Decent
and some had a combination of both.

I truly enjoyed every single word that made this book a perfect whole, and the reasons why I’m giving it 5 stars are:

High-quality
Top-notch
First-rate
Flawless
Perfect
Solid
Admirable

It’ll be a long wait until there’s another new book, but I don’t mind waiting when the stories are of this quality.

Thank you

[Louise Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of The Capello Family Series

Bianca Capello is accustomed to the finer things in life. As the wife of notorious mob boss Alex Capello, she's used to champagne on tap of getting the best tables in the best Soho night spots. She's a long way from the grimy streets where she grew up, and she'll stop at nothing to protect her glamorous lifestyle.

Cat Holden is new to the Capello family. As an accountant, she's trusted to launder their money through Alex's many businesses and keep everything she does a secret. Since she became a single mother to three-year-old Orla, Cat has learned that she'll do anything to keep her daughter safe - even turn a blind eye to the Capello's dodgy dealings.

\this is another acton-packed and thrilling read. All the main characters are back, even the ones we don't like, but this is what makes a crime series all the better. I couldn't get through this edge-of-your-seat read quick enough. I couldn't wait to see a few characters get their comeuppance, and for another couple to get together. But did I get what I wished for? You'll have to read this riveting book to find out.

Published 4th December 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #EmmaTallon for my ARC of #TheWifesRevenge in exchange for an honest review.

[Lovetoread2023 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in the Capello Family series, and what a fantastic follow-up! I was hooked from beginning to end. This one is packed with deceit, double crossings, and all the gangland drama you could want. Fast-paced, gripping, and showing just how far someone will go to get what they want, even if their nearest and dearest get caught in the crossfire.
Emma Tallon excels at crafting strong, complex female characters, and Maria, Cat, and Bianca are perfect examples of this. They each bring grit, heart, and resilience to the story, making them truly compelling to follow.
The twists are excellent, sharp, and perfectly timed, and I especially appreciate that there are no long, drawn-out moments. The plot moves at a perfect pace. The cliffhanger ending has left me eagerly waiting for book three. If readers haven’t yet dipped their toes into the gangland genre, this series is a brilliant place to start,gripping, dramatic, and wonderfully addictive.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re craving a juicy, high-stakes drama with a fierce female lead and plenty of twists, The Wife’s Revenge delivers in spades. Emma Tallon knows how to keep the tension simmering, and this second installment in the Capello Family series is all about loyalty, betrayal, and the kind of revenge that makes you cheer.

Scarlett is back—and she’s not playing nice. After the events of book one, she’s sharper, stronger, and ready to take control. The London underworld setting adds grit and glamour, while the family dynamics give the story emotional punch. There’s danger, scheming, and just enough romance to keep things spicy.

It’s fast-paced, addictive, and perfect for fans of Martina Cole or Kimberley Chambers. You’ll want to clear your schedule—once you start, you won’t stop.

My thanks to Emma Tallon, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

[Bookstagramshaz Sharon Logue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the new Capello series by Emma Tallon.

Thank you netgalley for an advanced copy of this book. Emma never fails to keep me gripped to her storylines. I’m rooting for Cat & Alex !!
Book 3 … ?? No pressure lol!

Bianca Capello is accustomed to the finer things in life. As the wife of notorious mob boss Alex Capello, she’s used to champagne on tap and getting the best tables in the best Soho night spots. She’s a long way from the grimy streets where she grew up, and she’ll stop at nothing to protect her glamorous lifestyle.

Cat Holden is new to the Capello family. As an accountant, she’s trusted to launder money through Alex’s many businesses and to keep everything she does a secret. Since she became a single mother to three-year-old Orla, Cat has learned that she’ll do anything to keep her daughter safe – even turn a blind eye to the Capellos’ dodgy deals.

[Shelleen Toland · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 2nd book of a new series by Emma Tallon. It's a mafia thriller and I have loved her other mafia series so I couldn't wait to keep reading this one. She also has some of the characters from her other books in this one or at least mentions their names.
This time we have the wife of Alex, Bianca, making waves. She is a despicable person and treats Alex horrible but he is faithful to her and tries to find good things about her.
Hs mom and sister help run the family business and his brother was ousted in the last book but tries to worm himself back in.
We also have Cat and her daughter, who the family helped in the first book and Cat now works for Alex and is close to his sister and mother.
Thanks again to NetGalley and Bookouture for a great book

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wife’s Revenge is the second book in the Capello Family series by one of my favourite crime writing authors Emma Tallon. It was fantastic to be back with this notorious crime family and see what has been happening to them since book one. Needless to say there is lots happening and none of them good. From start to finish I was actually holding my breath at times wondering how things were going to pan out and I kept saying just one more chapter every time I came to the end of one. There are characters in this book that are evil and also others who although you shouldn’t you can’t help but like. To say I was captivated from the very beginning is so true and by the end I was speechless . Yet again Tallon has given us another superb read in this series and after the ending of this one I can’t wait to hear what’s in store for the Capello’s in book three.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wife's Revenge by Emma Tallon is the second book in the excellent The Capello Family Series and I have loved this series and the characters. Like all Emma's book I have read I have been hooked and once I start to read her's I know I will be turning the pages to find out what happens next and this latest book was no different. This latest series has been full of twists and turns throughout. It is a completely nail-biting and totally addictive crime thriller. I can't wait for the third book within The Capello Series. . . . . .Superb read.

I highly recommend this author Emma Tallon and her books, especially as he is one of the best authors out there to get your teeth into. A great holiday read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting book that will get your heart racing! It is the second installment in the Capello family series.

Bianca Capello is married to Alex Capello, one of the top figures in organized crime. Since joining the family, she has enjoyed the perks of being Mrs. Capello, living like a queen. However, she has recently noticed that the new accountant, Cat, has been getting close to Alex, which makes Bianca feel threatened. Fearing for her comfortable lifestyle, she decides to take revenge before she loses her position.

This book is absolutely brilliant! From start to finish, it is packed with crime, violence, jealousy, and action. You will be glued to its pages until you reach the end!

[Corinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in The Capello Family series and it’s another good one. I honestly couldn’t put it down and I don’t know how I’m going to wait for the next one. I love how Emma Tallon writes her characters and the families they belong to along with the antics they get up to. She definitely knows how to write every type of character from those you’ll love to those you’ll despise and those you’d like to kill yourself. It moves at such a steady pace I flew through it. The Capello’s are my new favourite crime family that’s for sure. I just hope it’s not long till I can visit with them again.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review #TheWifesRevenge

[Julie Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh I loved this book!
As soon as I started this book I remembered how much I’d enjoyed the first book, and the close connections in the Capello family.
With Antonio being cast out at the end of the last book, I suspected he wouldn’t go quietly but there’s also a few other people threatening the family.
Cat has settled into her job as the family’s accountant but Bianca does not want her in their lives.
Things escalate pretty quickly and Maria and Alex botb need to deal with a number of threats, but the biggest showdown comes at the end of the book.
This is a brilliant crime thriller that I’d highly recommend
Thanks to Bookouture for the opportunity to read the book.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Emma. This is book two in the Capello family series and carry’s on from book one. It is another fast paced page turner of a read that you won’t want to put down. Bianca Capello who is Alex’s wife already had her nose put out of joint after Maria brought Cat into the family and their business. How far will she go to get rid of her and also to hide the evidence of what she’s already done to Cat. Antonio has his sister in law exactly where he wants her. Is there anything Bianca won’t do to cover her tracks. I highly recommend this series and Emma definitely leaves you wanting more

[Soheb · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading "A Family Betrayal" (the first book in this series) and being hooked on it, I couldn't wait for the sequel to come out. And what do you know? It's absolutely brilliant!

The characters are engaging and enthralling - even the bad ones, which tells you a lot about the quality of the writing. And talking about the writing - so much stuff gets addressed in this sequel! I was quite surprised as I would've been super happy to have a whole book about Bianca being evil, but it does tie up some other loose threads from the book.

It leaves on a satisfying conclusion while leaving enough to entice me to want to read the next book in line. Man, just what an incredibly enjoyable read!

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maria has her own problems—the tables have turned, and now she’s being blackmailed over the land she needs to keep. Antonio is a thorn in her side, and her brother Alex is trying to rein him in. Cat is finally happy with her life, free from money worries, enjoying a new house, and working for Maria and Alex. Bianca is as bitter as ever, but things are about to take a turn for the worse—lies, deceit, greed, twists, and turns. This book has it all, and the next installment can’t come soon enough.

[Melanie Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! After reading the first Capello family story I couldn't wait to dive into The Wife's Revenge and see what escapades Bianca would get up to. Along with the banishment of the evil Antonio I knew there was big trouble looming for Maria and Alex, but didn't know how low they would stoop.
Once again, Emma has played a blinder and written a cleverly woven tale of betrayal and destruction

[Jo Woodcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Emma Tallon managed to do it again with another fantastic book! I was hooked to the first one and now I absolutely binged this one! thanks to Netgallery for allowing me to read this early as I was too impatient to wait ... now Im sure there will be another one but if anyone if looking for a new author Emma Tallon is a must x

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels like an age (July, actually) since I've got caught up in one of Tallon's gangland thrillers.

A few chapters in and it felt like I'd never been away. I was back in the thick of the Capello family and things were about to get gritty.

They say revenge is a dish best served cold and Bianca wasn't going to stop until she was done.

Stakes ran high, pace was fast and the plot something to sink your teeth into.

Loved it!

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't wait to finish this, it's gripping and addictive and I thought the title was a bit misleading until I got to the part where it became clear and the next book is going to be great , i hope it's not too long of a wait. As usual a fantastic 5 star read

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Wow alex is a hard but loving gangster whom cat is so in love with , will they get together now nasty bianca is ousted out or will the coppello dynasty crumble ----‐ please release your next one i cant wait

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wife's revenge

An exellent read. Absolutely hooked, omg, what a twist at the end...bring on the next instalment I can't wait. See how far Brancaster will go and the outcome that will be.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant.

[dianne berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

gripping

Read both books within 3 days couldn’t put it down excellent read
Now waiting for the next instalment to come out

[lynda r rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

gripping

The book is a great read from a great crime thriller writer. I never hesitate to read Emma’s books and this one holds your interest from the first till the last page.

[e king · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay

Not sure about it bit predicted not sure if i will read the next book in series as may have to change author

[Jennifer Roche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait for the next book in this series. Enjoyed the last one very much.