THE SECOND HUSBAND

SYNOPSIS

After losing her husband, Derrick, in what appears to have been a random street crime, thirtysomething Emma has built a new life with widower Tom, who is kind, handsome, driven, and successful. Emma is finally able to feel safe again, both in her relationship with Tom and in the home they've made together on the Connecticut shore.

Then one day a homicide detective shows up at Emma and Tom’s door asking questions. Though Emma had been cleared of her husband’s murder, it appears that law enforcement is taking another look at her and the case. 

What do they know? Are they on the right track this time? And most importantly, will the renewed investigation ruin Emma’s chances of a happy life? 

Title: The second husband

Author: Kate White

Publisher: Harper

Publication date: June 28, 2022

REVIEW

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐💫

Kate White writes pretty entertaining domestic suspense stories so, when I was offered the chance to read an early copy of The Second Husband, I jumped at it. Last year, The Fiancée was a pretty solid family drama/whodunnit, so I could not wait to see what Ms White had come out with this year.

Emma’s husband, Derrick, was killed in an alley in NYC while away at a conference. The case was never solved and we learn right from the start their marriage wasn’t as happy as it looked. Now, 27 months later, Emma is married to Tom and living a good and successful life, but when Derrick’s case is reopened her new idyllic situation will be seriously threatened.

Kate White delivers with The Second Husband another story packed with suspense, although a bit more slow burn than I was expecting. 

I liked how the twists and turns kept me on my toes, making me constantly wonder whom I should trust (correct answer: no one). I also liked how, on the one hand, I could not help being convinced about Emma’s involvement in Derrick’s murder while at the same time being paranoid about Tom’s real intentions with her. 

There was no shortage of suspects, so speculation and theories ran through my mind the whole time. I loved how the author made me doubt until the last pages. The resolution was good although that last chapter felt a bit unresolved (maybe it was an ARC issue).

Although the premise of the story is a bit overdone, the author made it an entertaining and engaging read with a slow build up that not only made Emma paranoid but me as well!

The Second Husband will make a great beach read this summer.

Thanks to Wunderkind PR for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.