The Exes

A GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK Who hasn't wanted to murder an ex-figuratively, at least? In this explosive debut thriller, a woman's seemingly perfect romantic life is on the verge of collapse as she uncovers a hidden history surfacing dark secrets that have deadly consequences.

Natalie has only ever wanted to find "the one." The perfect man, the happy family she never had. But each time she thinks she is finally getting somewhere, she's bitterly disappointed. Another red line through a list of exes. And that was before the night of the Big Fallout that left her even more alone.

Then along comes James-wonderful, handsome James-and Natalie thinks her luck has finally turned. Maybe he's the one for her. Maybe he's the one she's been waiting for all along. Maybe he won't wind up dead.

But the harder Natalie tries to be a "normal" wife, the more world-upending truths are brought to her door, leaving her unsure of who she really is, and much less what she'll do ... leaving her to question whether there is a monster within her or whether there is a villain toying with her from the outside.

What's the secret story behind Natalie's dead exes? Will she and James survive their marriage? And do either of them deserve to?

From the publisher

Penguin Random House / Dutton | Feb 3, 2026 | 384 pages | ISBN:9798217043859 | Thriller

1. In the novel, Natalie sometimes can't remember things that happened in her past, which makes her an unreliable narrator both for herself and for us as the reader. What do you think this novel has to say about trauma and memory intersecting? How much does Natalie's lack of certain memories hurt or protect her?

2. Why do you think Natalie enters relationships with men who treat her badly-a pattern that's clear to her in hindsight but not at the time? Is she simply looking to finally be loved or does it go beyond that? How does her race and background in comparison to the men she dates affect these dynamics?

3. Natalie wonders time and again throughout the story if there's a monster inside her, something that compels her to lash out and hurt other people. Which of the characters would you describe as monstrous? Who do you think is the biggest monster of them all and why?

4. In what ways does the novel blur the line between love and control? How are the two mistaken for each other or intertwined? How does this manifest for different characters at different moments during the story?

5. While Natalie's relationship with her family of origin is strained, she is focused on building a new family with James. What role does the concept of motherhood play in the book? How does Natalie's past with her mother influence the kind of mother she wants to be?

6."I sometimes wonder, if we'd met at a different time, in a different place, whether things might have ended differently, too." In this opening musing from Natalie about her husband, James, she considers how their love story might have unfolded differently if they met under different circumstances. How critical do you think "the right timing" is in cementing lifelong relationships-both with romantic partners and with friends?

7. We find out early on that Natalie has written letters to her past romantic partners. Have you ever written a note or message to an ex that you never sent? Do you think a one-sided exchange like that can provide closure?

8. The relationships between siblings in The Exes are quite complex. How did your impression of James and Will, and Natalie and Claire, change over the course of the novel?

9. Trust and honesty are key themes that Natalie explores in her therapy sessions with Dimple. In one exchange, she poses this question: "I mean, haven't you ever lied to a partner?" Are there ever things it would be acceptable to withhold from a partner in order to shield them from certain truths? How does Natalie's ultimate reckoning with the truth impact her perspective on future relationships, both romantic and familial?

10. How does justice play a role in guiding behavior for each of the main characters-James, Will, Natalie, and Claire?

Book Club Talking Points:
This book is easy to read but gives you a lot to talk about. The characters feel messy and real, the relationships are complicated, and everyone will have a different take on who's right, who's wrong, and who crossed the line. It's fast-moving enough that no one will fall behind, but layered enough to spark good conversation about love, jealousy, and how our past relationships shape who we become.

"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

"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

"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

"A twisty novel with lots of turns you don't see coming. A great psychological thriller." -Red Carpet Crash