Review: The Marriage Pact

The Marriage Pact by Michelle Richmond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has a creepy factor that’s right off the charts. It all starts with a wedding. Simple, right? What could be easier than getting married? Two people who love each other, forge a bond and start a life together. But wait – there’s more. What about the rising divorce rate? Wouldn’t it be better if there was some way to ensure that one’s marriage is going to work?

As Jake and Alice are sorting through their wedding gifts, they discover a substantial, elegant and very locked wooden box with a note attached explaining that all will be revealed once they return from their honeymoon. Well, at least they had those two weeks on the Adriatic. Upon their return, Alice receives a series of texts explaining that all will be revealed very soon.

Enter The Pact. What is this Pact you might ask? The Pact was formed by a woman after her first marriage failed. It’s a group of people who feel that with the way the modern world is evolving the sanctity of marriage is being left behind. These folks aren’t fooling around. New members have to be vetted and voted on. Then they have to sign The Contract. An ironclad document over 200 pages long. Once they agree, Jake and Alice will be expected to not only read but also memorize all of The Rules (not to mention any supplemental material to be added later). What you might ask, happens if they don’t follow The Rules? Well, that’s all explained too. There are a series of punitive measures for members who don’t take it seriously. How will The Pact know? Trust me, they’ll know. They always know.

There are some moments of unexpected insight inside these pages and some good advice on how to have a lasting marriage. I’ll give you one hint – joining a shadowy cult-like organization that forces you to agree to hundreds and hundreds of rules is probably not the best idea. As Jake and Alice find out to their chagrin.

I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review. Which as the regular readers of my reviews know doesn’t keep me from calling it as I see it. I thought this book had its flaws, at some points there was too much exposition and the story got a little bogged down. Didn’t stop it from being chilling, strange and suspenseful.


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