The Ex by Freida McFadden

The Ex

Love’s dark twist—when ‘happy ever after’ curdles

Written byFreida McFadden
Narrated byNicol Zanzarella
Length8h33m
Release dateMarch 22, 2022
LanguageEnglish
★★★★☆ 4.4 (4 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorFreida McFadden
NarratorNicol Zanzarella
Runtime8h33m
PublishedMarch 22, 2022
Rating★★★★☆ 4.4 / 5 (4 ratings)
CategoriesMystery, Thriller & Suspense, Thriller & Suspense, Psychological, Suspense
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

*The Ex* isn’t just another psychological thriller about a woman who trusts too easily—it’s a masterclass in how quickly domestic bliss can rot. Freida McFadden skips the slow-burn setup and drops you into Cassie’s whirlwind romance with Ryan, where red flags flutter like confetti. The brilliance lies in the *specificity*: the way Ryan’s charm curdles into control isn’t vague or cartoonish, but rooted in eerie, plausible details—a text sent at 3 a.m., a “joke” that lingers like a threat. This isn’t a story about *if* things go wrong, but *how far* wrong they’ll spiral.

Nicol Zanzarella’s narration is the audiobook’s secret weapon. She voices Cassie with a breathy, almost naive optimism that makes her later panic feel earned, not melodramatic. The real chills come when Zanzarella shifts into Ryan’s velvety, reasonable tone—the kind of voice that could sell you a timeshare or a lie. At 8 hours and 33 minutes, the pacing is relentless, with chapters that end on knife-edge revelations. This isn’t a thriller that meanders; it’s a pressure cooker with the lid welded shut.

Tags: toxic relationship thrillerunreliable narrator audiobookpsychological suspense with bitefast-paced domestic horrorfemale-led revenge thrilleraudiobooks for true crime fans

Why Listen to The Ex?

  • Expert narration by Nicol Zanzarella brings every character and scene to life across 8h33m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.4 stars by 4 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

I’ll admit, I rolled my eyes at first. *Another* thriller about a woman ignoring glaring red flags? But *The Ex* disarmed me by making Cassie’s choices feel tragically *human*, not stupid. McFadden’s writing excels in the quiet moments—a paused conversation, a door left unlocked—that retroactively scream *danger* once the truth unspools. The audiobook’s production is crisp, with Zanzarella’s performance elevating the material. Her Cassie starts as a woman giddy on love, her voice light and quick, but by the midpoint, every syllable carries the weight of dread. Zanzarella’s Ryan is even more unsettling: he never snarls, never raises his voice, just *reasons* with you until your skin crawls. If I had one critique, it’s the third-act twist—while clever, it strains credibility just enough to pull you out of the story for a beat. And the ending, while satisfying, leans a touch too hard on thriller tropes when the book’s strength was its grounded horror. Still, this is a thriller that *understands* audio. The short chapters and Zanzarella’s dynamic delivery make it perfect for binge-listening—ideal for a long drive or a late-night session where you *need* to know what happens next. Just don’t blame me if you start side-eyeing your partner’s phone after Chapter 12.

Download: The Ex

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The Ex by Freida McFadden is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Nicol Zanzarella with a runtime of 8h33m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.