Between Husbands and Wives

by Susannah Glenn

A couple moves to Far North Queensland looking for a fresh start, but can they escape their past? A page-turning domestic thriller for fans of Sally Hepworth and Liane Moriarty.

On a cold, dark night, two cars collide …

Inside the vehicle at fault, Jennifer Ashby survives with barely a scratch. In the wreckage of the second, the occupants are not so lucky. Jennifer's good character helps her escape jail, but she is traumatised by the event.

Desperate for a change, and with her marriage buckling under the stress, she convinces her husband Jon to move to the beautiful but wild Daintree region, far away from family and friends.

As Jon spends long hours at his new job and Jennifer makes plans to absolve her lingering guilt, cracks begin to form in their idyllic new life. Will the shadow of their past continue to haunt them? Will their dark secret be exposed?

Genres: Thriller, Audiobook, Contemporary, Fiction

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2024

Reviews

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...

4.5 stars

💒Today I’m hosting the latest stop in the tour for Between Husbands and Wives by debut author @susannahglennauthor, brought to you by @panterapress. As this is almost the close of the tour, be sure to check out the tagged accounts in comments.

💍Between Husbands and Wives is the debut outfit from Susannah Glenn, a former newspaper journalist, editor and corporate communication consultant. Glenn’s far-ranging career has put her in good stead to pen her first novel, which is a tale inspired by her own experiences of living in far North Queensland.

💍There is something about Glenn’s writing that clicked with me from the onset of this tale and I’m so glad I was provided with the chance to review Between Husbands and Wives for the current book tour. Immersive, addictive, on point andmesmerising, I couldn’t resist turning one page after the other while reading this debut. Centered around a terrible vehicle accident that claims more than one life and the after-effects of the wreckage, Glenn’s approach combines the thriller genre with contemporary life themes. Between Husbands and Wives takes us beyond this motor accident by not only looking at life before and after the accident, but it also highlights aspects of power, abuse, control, emotional pressures, anxiety, marital manipulation, betrayal, guilt and gaslighting effects. Glenn’s lead is well cast and I although I didn’t like the experiences she went through, I think Jennifer Ashby’s tale had a wider purpose. I was with Jen all the way, along with her mother and old uni friend, as she attempted to regain the upper hand against her partner. It was a tough read at times, but one I couldn’t turn away from.

💍The picturesque and highly situational setting worked so well in this debut. I loved the chance to travel by the whisk of a page to Far North Queensland, Port Douglas and the Daintree. Glenn uses the location to her advantage providing us with a narrative that is steeped in thick sultry air and the slick heat permeates the pages, compounding the events that occur even further.

I can't wait to read more Susannah Glenn!

[Damo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between Husbands and Wives is the debut novel by Australian author Susannah Glenn, a brooding domestic drama that constantly builds tension. Right from the first page there’s a pervading sense of grief and trauma surrounding Jen Ashby, the story’s main character.

A car accident lies in Jen’s recent past, an incident that appears to have virtually stripped her of her confidence and this has prompted a move out of the hustle and bustle of Sydney and up to the far more quiet Far North Queensland town of Mossman. In the early stages we’re given small tasters of information to spur us on to keep reading to find out why the family is fleeing the big city.

When Jen and five year old son Jasper arrive at their new home they’re greeted by a jubilant Jon who had arrived early to start his new job with the local council. From the moment they arrive it feels as though warning bells are sounding from Jon’s reminder of the sacrifice he’s made in moving for Jen to his disapproval over her plans to resume her photography career.

As an observer, the coercive control being used by Jon was very obvious, but clearly the mental trauma that Jen had been through was enough to leave her doubting herself while also being prepared to excuse his behaviour. In many respects there was an air of inevitability about where the marriage was heading. That being said, the road leading there is loaded with unexpected twists and turns making for some delicious moments.

As well as proving to be a dramatic domestic thriller, Susannah Glenn has presented the Daintree region of Far North Queensland in the most wonderful light. The beauty, danger and tranquillity are present in equal measure highlighting the paradise that lies outside the more densely populated tourist spots.

The problem of domestic violence in its many different forms has provided rich fodder for the crime fiction industry and in her debut novel, Susannah Glenn has done a creditable job in the portrayal of Jen Ashby. Once a strong and successful professional photographer, we witness in Jen a woman who doubts herself, excuses abusive behaviour and goes out of her way to please the person who’s making her life difficult. There is still strength to be seen but it’s painfully slow to emerge.

Between Husbands and Wives is a slow build story filled with suspense and intrigue, a domestic drama that is set in a majestic part of Australia and is wonderfully described in the narrative.I feel that a good domestic thriller should provoke strong emotional responses from the actions and responses of its characters and that’s exactly what I felt while reading this story. This was particularly the case over the dramatic final few chapters that provided a satisfying ending.

My thanks to Pantera Press and NetGalley for a digital ARC that enabled me to read, enjoy and review this book.

[Leanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Big twist at the end but pretty ordinary leading up to it.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Susannah Glenn’s debut, Between Husbands and Wives is about lies and secrets that husbands and wives keep from each other. Based in Sydney, Australia this book was fast paced and a quick read.

[Hastings75 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great first novel. Was determined to read a first time Australian author whilst in Queensland - and Susannah Glenn did not disappoint. Read it within 24 hours.

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
Between Husbands and Wives. Debut author Susannah Glenn delivers an exciting and page turning domestic thriller, I loved everything about it! The setting was in one of my favourite places in Australia which is tropical Far North Queensland.

I was desperate to learn more about Jen as the story progressed, there was so much suspense crackling in the background, so much so I read the book within twenty four hours!

Jen, husband Jon and young son Jasper are moving from the city to start afresh after a recent tragedy and public fallout. I felt for Jen and what was happening to her. There are some explosive scenes and twists along the way.

A story of a marriage, secrets and the cracks of a not so perfect life. A character driven plot with plenty of atmosphere and tension. I can’t wait to see what Susannah writes next, what a fabulous debut!

Publication Date 30 July 2024
Publisher Pantera Press

Thank you so much Pantera Press for inviting me on this book tour and for a copy of the book.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Pantera Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
First time Aussie author Susannah Glenn pens a dynamic novel about a married couple and there not so perfect life.
A domestic drama slash suburban thriller with secrets, lies, deception, treachery and passion.
And just like the hot setting, this book will surely scorch and sizzle your reading experience.
Jennifer and Jon and their young son, Jasper escape the city to move to Far North Queensland.
Leaving behind a tragic car accident that changed their lives.
The event left Jennifer emotionally scarred and she avoided a jail sentence.
Hoping for a new start, Jennifer begins creating a new life for them.
But soon the perfect facade starts to crack and the dark secrets from past return and the everything comes crumbling down……
A very character driven plot with tense atmosphere and melodrama.
Splashes of psychological thriller throughout, with a little suspense and an abundance of intrigue.
The promise of gripping and entertaining, this new talent sure does deliver.
I look forward to what Susannah brings the readers next.
For a debut it’s a smashing read.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ slow start and disappointing end!
(Audiobook)

[Emilie (emiliesbookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much Pantera Press for having me on this book tour

After reading the synopsis, I was so excited to read Between Husbands and Wives and it did not disappoint

Jen has experienced a horrible accident and her young family decide to leave Sydney for the calming tropics of Mossman in Queensland. Her husband Jon, is already settled is his newly appointed job in the local council, which gives Jen time to find her feet and get their son Jasper and herself settled too.

Jen can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right, and already you can sense that Jen is almost in debt to Jon. Jon works long hours and is almost of dismissive of Jen’s progress in feeling more like herself, getting a job and making friends. Warning signs are visible really quickly and cracks begin to show, why did they leave Sydney?

This domestic drama debut is filled with lots of suspense. I was hooked in really early trying to put together the puzzle pieces.

Jen was such an interesting character, did you feel for her or believe she had other intentions….?

The short chapters provided a pace throughout, plus the tropical back drop of Far North Queensland was perfect!

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susannah Glenn’s riveting debut novel, Between Husbands and Wives has a sinister undercurrent that will have you second guessing yourself and these characters. There are also secrets and lies galore making for an addictive and gripping read.

Jennifer Ashby is recovering from the devastating car accident that saw a young pregnant woman and her unborn child killed. To escape the public hate, she and her husband Jon and son Jasper move to Far North Queensland to start over. Before long, cracks begin to appear in their new life amid a political storm over amalgamating Queensland councils, with Jon right at the centre of the battle. Jennifer’s past is continuing to haunt her and it won’t be long until those secrets crawl out of the shadows.

Between Husbands and Wives was such a twisty and unpredictable read where the reader is not sure who to trust. I loved the character of Jennifer and the way her vulnerability and strength were portrayed on the page. I felt a lot of anger and frustration at some characters in this story, but was always on Jen’s side. Her mother, Maz, was one of my favourites. Loyal and supportive, with Jen’s best interests at heart, I would have loved to see more of her. One of my favourite lines comes from Maz, “Why would I care about ageing? Living long enough to grow old is a privilege.” Such a fantastic way of looking at life.

[BettyLovesBooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Read as it was picked by my neighbourhood book club for this month’s meeting, and while two people enjoyed it, most of us agreed it was very soapy, and the ending felt rushed (like the author suddenly decided they’d had enough and just needed to wrap things up) with lots of loose threads left hanging. I didn’t enjoy this one, but it wasn’t awful.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I flew through this; a slow burn family drama, set in lush FNQ.
After a horrific car crash, survivor Jen is struggling with the guilt and her recovery plan involves relocating to the tropical Daintree Rainforest for a fresh start.
So up moves Jen, her husband Jon and her son Jasper. A trio of Js ready to tackle a new beginning. And humidity.
To an absolutely stunning house- it may have been my fav character 🤤.
But alas, despitre the sunny surroundings it’s not all sunbathing and poolside Pinot
Gris’. There’s some secrets to be revealed and hard truths to face.
What exactly happened the night of the car crash?
And do you ever really know your spouse?
Great pace and a super quick read.
It wasn’t quite Liane Moriarty/Sally Hepworth for me; they have a reprieve with light humour that wasn’t here.
I think due to the complexity of the character Jen- her sympathetic nervous system is constantly wired somewhere between freeze and flight; too much feeling faint and nauseas and suspicious to crack out satirical comedy.
Such a gorgeous part of the world, this had me wanting to book a holiday.
Indeed- this would make a great holiday read 🍹 🏝️

Thank you to @panterapress and @susannahglennauthor for a gifted copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review and for including me in the #betweenhusbandsandwives book tour. 3.5/5 stars rounded up

[ems_booknook · Rating 3 out of 5]

TW:
abuse and coercive control.
Gaslighting.
Death of an infant.
Alcoholism.
Infidelity.

Thank you to better reading and Pantera Press for the opportunity to read this book early.

Unfortunately, it didn’t hit the mark for me.

It was average, and while it took me quite a while to really get into it, there was some good parts.

It definitely had me feeling some things, rage mostly. Rage at the absolutely vile nature of people in the world, and marital abuse. If this is a sensitive topic for you, it might be an idea to skip this one.

I figured out both of the twists fairly easily as the clues were all there for most of the book, so I was a bit disappointed in that. Not the worst thriller I’ve ever read so definitely give it a go if you’re looking for something not TOO intense!

[Deborah (debbishdotcom) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Between Husbands and Wives by Susannah Glenn is a difficult book to describe. Ostensibly it is about a husband and wife (well, derrr), and about a recent tragedy that's impacting on Jen to the extent she's not sleeping, she's yelling at her son and becoming forgetful. They move away in the hope they can start afresh and it kinda seems like it might work, but Glenn imbues in this something unsettling that keeps readers' spidey senses tingling.

I'd definitely recommend this read - it's well paced so hard to put down - and although I'd guessed much of the outcome of this book I was keen to see the fallout. I should add that Glenn also throws in an interesting twist I didn't pick, so we also see a different side of Jen

3.5 stars
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...

[Lara (luellabella) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The scenery and snippets of life in Port Douglas and Mossman - the junk boat, the inlet, the pubs, and Carnivale - could not have been more perfect. It made me so nostalgic for the town where I spent a lot of my childhood. But both protagonists were extremely! unlikeable, the council merger side story took over and the mystery fell a bit flat. I enjoyed it, but may not have without the FNQ connection.

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story follows Jen and wife and mother with a hidden/ secret event that is disclosed slowly through the course of the book. Her husband is not the man he seems to be. Bit predictable but easy read.

[Libby Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed as an audiobook. Enjoyed the pace and turns in this book

[Shannon McIntyre · Rating 1 out of 5]

Audible freebie! Couldn’t stand the mfc!

[Rachel Coutinho · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
A domestic thriller that starts of with intriguing characters and a shadowy past however the end was a bit melodramatic.

[Cydnie Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

What?

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well this was certainly a quick read and good for on the beach or by the pool ! There was not a great deal of depth to the characters and a few holes in the plot but it was a solid first novel

[Farah · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Jennifer's accident and escaping jail time, she convinces her husband Jon, that moving somewhere new and starting afresh is what their family needs. But Jon is never home and always working and Jennifer can't seem to forget the accident. Can they make it work?

This debut domestic thriller by Aussie author Susannah Glenn had me so intrigued throughout. I loved the short chapters and the twisty tale the author has spun. The big twist at the end had me reeling - I didn't see it coming at all! I am so excited to see what Susannah Glenn writes next. Highly recommend picking up her debut if you get a chance!

[Shelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very, very slow to start. I almost gave up on it. Long sections about the main character Jennifer’s inner thoughts and feelings without much happening in the story. Then a long, long wait to find out what really happened in Jennifer’s life that sent her so scatty and traumatised that she was lashing out at her only child. Screaming the f word at him in one incident and in another also screaming at him and trying to hit him following a childish prank which his father put him up to. There was no apology to him at any stage. If I feel sorry for anyone in this story it’s definitely the little boy. He’s constantly being sat in front of yet another movie. The dog gets taken out and played with far more than the child!
When things finally get moving in the story it reminds me of a long episode of Home and Away. Things get pretty far fetched for me in the reveal with the gardener. How on earth did he find Jennifer and her family? How extremely lucky that the phone in the pink case just happened to be recording at the time of the accident and after! Even more amazingly it turned on after spending months in Jennifer’s coat pocket!! Great battery life! She even managed to guess the phones PIN number as well!
Obviously the book isn’t my cup of tea but I made it to the end! Other people have rated it much higher than me so it does appeal to plenty of other people’s tastes. I really don’t like giving a low rating, but I’m being honest here.

[Rachel Mete · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

Marketed as a domestic thriller, I feel swindled by this novel as instead it was a tale of increasing family violence, both coercive and physical, framed in the aftermath of a tragic event.

The first half of the story was slow. I almost did not finish the book.

The coercive control from the husband was frustrating - I can’t work out if this was due to the writing successfully depicting coercive control or whether it was because the coercive control was described in a such an obvious way that it made the lead characters denial feel unbelievable.

The second half had some very well written sections (e.g., beach scene with crocodile, the party) that actually did have me on the edge of my seat. The pace picked up and the supporting characters made the story more tolerable.

The ending was mostly predictable and not overly satisfying.

Would overall not recommend this book, especially to those wanting a thriller.

[Michael Sanderson-green · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a bit to obvious and explainy the epilogue being a case in point , it was not necessary.

[Kathy Soltan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comfort is subjective. And this book made me feel supremely uncomfortable, like I needed to shed my skin and escape. Jen, the main protagonist, is totally distasteful and Jon, her conceited overbearing and emotionally abusive husband-despite his elaborate displays of physical affection, is not much better. Lust and attraction prove a lethal combination for this pair and underpins their often unhealthy union.
There was an underlying unease throughout the story ,and caught in the middle of this is the couple’s son Jasper- the gossamer thread that binds them together. Thankfully Jen knows her own mind and proves to have a moral compass-despite what her past and Jon frequently imply. This is her saving grace and stopped her from being totally unrelatable which I feared she would morph into at the start of the novel.
An easy read, this is a great book to take on holiday but be warned- these are 2 of the most unlikable characters I’ve read in a while and you may opt to stop reading in frustration. Do persist, because what follows is an engrossing tale of love, lies and the consequences of your actions that all lead to an unforgettable and traumatic climax.

[Becs' reads Australia · Rating 2 out of 5]

So disappointing, I really hoped it would go somewhere but the ending was lazy.

[Edwina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, Love, Loved!
Almost disappointed that this is her first book, though cannot wait to she writes another one.

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audible freebie.

[Jessica Riddell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got to a point where I disliked both the female and male characters - everything was too neat and predictable