The Married Couple

by Maria Frankland

My wife is dead. No one believes that I’m innocent – and honestly, if I were them, I wouldn’t either. Everything you ever read, anything that makes the news? It’s always the husband.

Beautiful, bright-eyed Michelle Jackson, a loving wife and mother, has been killed. Her husband Paul is accused of murdering her. Their little girl Emily, numb with grief, is refusing to speak. You’ll hate Paul for what he’s done.

Everyone said they were the perfect couple, always holding hands. They did everything together. But when you hear about their whispered arguments and the terrible lies they both told, you’ll be certain Paul is guilty.

But everything you think you know is wrong. After all, behind closed doors every marriage has secrets. And some are deadlier than others…

This book was previously published as The Man Behind Closed Doors.

Perfect for fans of Daniel Hurst, Andrea Mara and The Guilty Couple , this is a completely absorbing and shocking domestic thriller with an utterly unexpected twist.

Read what everyone’s saying about The Married Couple :

‘Absolutely amazing… It had me captivated throughout… page turning… 5 stars’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this book…! Honestly I found this book so powerful and incredibly important!… ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️… remarkable!… engrossing, intense and gripping’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘BREATHTAKING… unexpected twist and turns… absolutely incredible. I was not able to put the book down… I would 100% recommend this book.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Absolutely loved this book!… Edge of the seat stuff…! Highly recommend!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Brilliantly written… Would I recommend it? You bet I would.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘What an absolute rollercoaster of a book. I experienced every form of emotion whilst reading this story. This is a book that I just couldn’t put down.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Omg yes loved it. Twists and turns to the end. Like literally the last page.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Absolutely wicked read. Got me hooked from the start and needed to finish it… brilliant.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘What an amazing book, highly addictive read.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Fantastic. Kept me gripped from start to finish.

Genres: Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Crime

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2020

About the author

Maria Frankland has a dubious internet search history and a very worried mother-in-law. However, neither of these things can stop her writing gripping psychological thrillers in which you’ll never find a happy-ever-after.

Her novels are mostly set in Yorkshire where you’ll hear the accent through all her characters. These are people you could live next door to, or closer still… don’t say you haven’t been warned.

Maria’s novels are fast-paced, down to earth and realistic. You never know what’s around the corner…

Find out more about Maria at https://www.mariafrankland.co.uk. Whilst you’re there, you can download your free novella – The Brother-in-Law.

Reviews

[SVETLANA · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book tells a story of domestic abuse against the husband from his wife.

The theme is new but the book is boring, slow and too long.
Everything is described in too many details. For example, there are two cases of arrest and every time there is a complete description of rights caution cited by police. I am sure we all know these affirmations by heart at this stage.

The same can be said about the court. The book looks like a documented transcription of the court process. Do we need to read every time that the witness is taking an oath on the Bible and what words he is saying at this moment? The second half of the book looks like a manual guide for judges or solicitors.

This book contains 368 pages, but if it had 200 pages it could be more than enough. I understand that the author tries very hard to show how a man can be abused by his wife and why such men are ashamed to tell people what is going on behind closed doors, but, in my opinion, this is not so different from what's going on in case roles are reversed. Domestic abuse is a domestic abuse indifferent who is the victim. And we, readers, are not so narrow-minded not to understand it.

This is why this book is worth 2.5 stars approximately giving us 3 stars.

[Lyn❤Loves❤Listening to Real Voices Only!!!!❤️🎧📚 Addict ON HIATUS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio...4.5 Stars
Story 4.25 Stars

[Miriam still reading! HIATUS from GR · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars audio and story!!!!!

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #3 for me written by Maria Frankland and what a roller coaster ride it was! This had me on the edge of my seat where we learn Paul’s wife is dead and he claims he didn’t do it. Lots of flashbacks and timelines going back and forth but it was easy to follow. I was totally vested to see who did it and the twist at the end surprised me! I thought for sure I had it figured out but nope, not even close! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release. To be published August 2024.

[Donna Mallery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always read Maria’s books as soon as they come out. She has a way of writing that keeps your interest throughout. You can’t help but feel for the poor protagonist and his journey to prove his innocence. And I loved the way the story was told in multiple POV. Some of the domestic violence was very troubling; however, it was realistic. It certainly shows how petty disagreements can turn into ugly violence. It really wasn’t difficult to figure out part of the twist. Unfortunately I didn’t care for the final ending. But that didn’t stop me from enjoying the reading journey. Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.

[Jennifer Bendel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, talk about a psychological mess. This book was amazing. I’m glad my initial guess of what happened wasn’t correct. I didn’t see that ending coming. I liked how this book highlighted domestic abuse in a new way, however I felt like we are meant to sympathize with Michelle a lot too which took away from Paul and his experience. Overall this is an amazing book that’ll keep you glued to your seat. Thank you to NetGalley for my advanced copy!

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Man Behind Closed Doors is essentially a book that revolves around domestic abuse but through the eyes of a man being abused by a woman, something that is so rarely told.

That is one of the things I liked about it. The fact that it gave us an insight into the world of domestic abuse from a mans POV, was very needed. It allows us to see that men do go through it as well and it bring awareness to a cause that is so heavily leant towards women and I admire the author for really bringing that to our attention.

Now, the book overall was well written. The storyline was cohesive and didn’t stray too far from the main plot. It did go back and forth between past and present a lot but it was needed for what the story was trying to portray. I was invested in the storyline and despite some elements of predictability near the end, there were still moments that did surprise me.

So why was did I rate it a 3?

When I compare this to all the other books I’ve read this year, I can’t rate it at the same level. I’ve rated every book 4 stars, all except for 1 and I just don’t see this book being on the same 4 star pedestal as the others. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed reading it and it was definitely a change to what I usually read but it just wasn’t enough for me to be able to give it the same rating as the other books I’ve read. I know I shouldn’t compare, because every book is different but I went back and forth with this for a while and ultimately, I can’t bring myself to rate it any higher than 3 stars.

However, it is a book I’d recommend others to read purely for the awareness factor alone.

[Lel Budge · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Man Behind Closed Doors starts with Paul calling the emergency services as his wife, Michelle has been stabbed…..



He is arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.



While in jail, he thinks about his life and marriage to Michelle and the story is told through flashbacks to the past. We hear of her jealousy and paranoia, her mood swings and violence when she’s been drinking, which is often. Michelle has her own issues she is dealing with but takes it out on Paul……all the while their young daughter Emily is in the middle.

This is a tale of domestic abuse, of controlling behaviour and it’s original as here the woman is the perpetrator of the abuse. You really never know what goes on behind closed doors! It deals with violence, guilt, love and self harm and all the emotional baggage in between. It’s also about the stabbing, the investigation and the courtroom drama. I found this to be a very emotional read, at times I was not sure who deserved my sympathy…..a thoughtful and engrossing read.

Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and an eARC of the book. This is my honest, unbiased review.

[Samantha (bookstasamm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not what I was expecting, but it was interesting to read about an abusive relationship where the wife abuses the husband. You don’t read or hear about this kind of relationship often, and I thought that Frankland handled the subject matter well and in an informative way.

I liked how the story was told in the present with flashbacks leading up to it. It showed Paul and Michelle’s relationship and how it progressed to Paul being on trial for her murder. I thought the subject matter was hard to read at times, and yet, I couldn’t put this book down. The trial was interesting and I liked that we got to see how the system works.

I loved how Frankland threw in a bunch of red herrings and made me feel like a few different people could have done it. I did figure out who it was which made the book drag a bit for me after the trial, but overall I thought it was a well written and unique story.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Shauntelle (myglamorousreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I went into this book blind, and I'm so glad I did! This was not what I was expecting, but this book was everything I needed it to be and more. I loved everything about this story.

Michelle and Paul appear to be the perfect couple, but there are definitely cracks in their marriage. Michelle is killed, and Paul is accused of her murder. Their daughter Emily refuses to speak after her mother's murder. Everyone thinks Paul is guilty. Is he responsible for killing Michelle? Or is there more to the story?

There is definitely MORE to the story! This is an emotional book that will pull all of the emotions out of you. I went through a plethora of emotions while reading this one. The plot moved at a great and engaging pace as we saw Paul's trial unfold as well as glimpses into what life was like with Michelle. The characters were well developed, as I really got to know Paul and Michelle and felt sympathetic to both of them.

This book was full of twists and turns, and the ending...SO UNEXPECTED! This is my favorite book I've read by Frankland to date. Highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[babs · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
liked the story a lot but had to struggle with narration

[Nicola Jayne Steer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending….. just nooooo!

This book had me gripped, reading whenever I had opportunity and often late into the night. But the ending…. It was an absolute letdown if I’m totally honest. Would have been a 5 out of 5 from me otherwise

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Married Couple by Maria Frankland This book has a twist that no one will see coming. I certainly did not. Paul and Michelle or a married couple with a beautiful little girl and a dog. Well on holiday they get an argument he leaves to clear his head and when he returns she’s dead with a butcher knife in her chest. Right away it’s suspicion is on him, but did he do it? Did his daughter see anything? Will She speak again? I thoroughly enjoyed this book. When I started reading it I was interested because you never have books with abuse men in them and I thought that was something that would be interesting. This book was way more than interesting. The only thing I didn’t like is they were supposed to be in Philadelphia and she had a lot of British terms in the book such as the detectives being called DCI’s and they said he called 999 and that’s in Britain. Besides that though it is a very interesting story and one I highly recommend to anyone who likes thrillers and drama. You’ll love this book! UPDATE///I read this book the first time it came out and now having read it a second time I want to apologize to the author because it only says they’re at Somerset Philly and so I don’t know if that’s in Philadelphia or the UK. The book still stands up even though it’s been a few years since my first read I had no issues reading it a second time. It still was so so good!#NetGalley, #Bookouchur, #MariaFrankland, #TheMarriedCouple,

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maria Frankland is an author whose books always tick every box for me as a reader. She has the skill to weave a story that mesmerises and immerses you so deeply. Creating a plot that puts you through the wringer, only to throw some twist that turns everything you THINK you know, on its head!

The Married Couple does highlight issues that are pretty sensitive, but as always, she doesn't go overboard,and everything is relevant to the storyline. The characters left me guessing from the moment I started reading. In fact, the suspense is constant. I thought I had the answers at one point. Only to be flummoxed by Maria Franklands' fabulous twists! I should have known better!!

Yet another amazing psychological thriller from the mind of Maria Frankland. I have yet to read a book that lets me down from her, and The Married Couple is no different. Thanks to Bookouture for the gifted ebook to write my honest review.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is there not to love about this book? That's a very good question and I honestly cannot name one thing.

The writing style is very fluent, the characters are great and I liked the premise. The author also manages to leave my mind in dubio the whole time. I could not really decide whether I found myself in the 'I believe their story' or the 'I don't buy it at all' team. 

I had my eye on something I found suspicious and it seemed I was right about that, but I had not expected this outcome.

This is a great domestic and I admired and felt for Paul at the same time. He says he did not kill his wife. Now it's up to the jury to decide whether he can walk away or remain locked up.

I have utterly enjoyed every book I have read by this author and this one is no exception. 5 stars

Thank you

[Sonja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite predictable

I found this book a little dull and slow, no real tension or pace and quite repetitive at times. An ok read but no suspense.

[Anne Secher · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.*

Paul lived for many years in what you could call a troubled marriage. One day, his wife is found stabbed while the family was on holidays and he is accused of having perpetrated the act. He denies having done so at all times, and his daughter, a 6-year-old child, possibly the only witness, hasn't spoken a word since it happened.

I needed to know what would happen next and loved the plot twist this psychological thriller had.

The plot was interesting and engaging, the writing style did a great job for the genre and helped the listening experience enjoyable.

Regarding the characters, Paul and Alina's were spot on. However, I believe Michelle Jackson's mental disorder is featured quite differently from the way it really is. While Alina seems to suffer from a psychopathic personality disorder, Michelle, as I see it, is meant to be Borderline. Well, aside from being a psychologist, I suffer from BPD and this disorder is not as the book reflects. Our motives are not manipulative, we are not narcissists. I believe there's a confusion among these from the book, which actually made me feel uncomfortable and stigmatised on a few passages.

This would have been a 4.5 otherwise because I loved the rest of the features.

Beruce Khan did a pretty good job with the voices and intentions, allthough I believe there was something missing at times.

[Cydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Married Couple is more of the same as it pertains to domestic thrillers, and it doesn't add much new to this genre. However, what it does add is the perspective of the husband being the victim of abuse at the hands of his wife, which we all know happens quite often in real life, but is seldom centered in discussions of abuse.

As much as I wanted to empathize with Paul, I found myself more frustrated with him than anything. I am not sure if this is me not understanding why he didn't ~just leave~ which is a tale as old as time when it comes to abusive relationships—especially when kids are involved—but how stretched bare this story was if it wasn't focused on how mean Michelle was to him made it difficult to get through and care about. Paul seems to be a very weak and directionless man, not because he was abused by Michelle, but because he finds himself in a position where everything wrong appears to be his fault because he was moping from scene to scene and refusing help. Which, again, are things that people suffering abuse do, but it was very challenging to read about this when Frankland gives little else to hold onto.

This wasn't written the best, and has pacing issues throughout. Some of Michelle's actions were confusing without explanation, and the plot twist at the end was completely underwhelming.

3.5 ⭐️s

Thank you to Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC!

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Maria Frankland is a well known thriller author in the book world.
Previously published under a different title and released a few years ago, The Married Couple has been freshened up and given a new lease of life.
A domestic drama with some thrills and a good plot.
Paul and Michelle are a cosy married couple.
They live happily with their six year old daughter, Emily.
But behind the facade is not what it seems.
Then one day Michelle is murdered and the prime suspect is Paul.
A gripping tale follows with twists and an unexpected ending.
A tangled web of lies, deceit, deception and secrets slowly unravels.
Told from multiple perspectives, the cast of characters are intriguing with many questions asked including “did they or didn’t they?”.
I quite liked how this book was structured, past memories slotted in between the current day, it worked well.
I did have my suspicions and when all was revealed, I was wrong and slightly surprised, so well executed Maria!
A seducing read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. When we think of domestic abuse we think of women as the victim. And, probably, in most cases it is. But in this story the male is the victim of the abuse. Paul is a man trying to make his marriage to Michelle work, not only for himself and his wife, but for their 6-year old daughter Emily. Paul's brother, David, his best friend, Nate, and his co-worker Alana, urge him to leave his destructive marriage. But Paul believes that he can somehow make it all work out for the better. However, when Michelle ends up stabbed and later dies Paul is unable to remember exactly what really happened. He ends up being tried for his wife's murder. I felt it brought me to realize that males can also the the victims of domestic abuse. But, like Paul, most men might feel ashamed to admit that their wives are out of control and they end up feeling like less of a man. Very insight book and I gave it 5 stars, which I very rarely give.

[Destiny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Married Couple by Maria Frankland

Any psychological coupled thrillers is an automatic sign me up. If this is your first psychological thrillers I’d say give it a go, if not I’d say maybe.

So Paul & Michelle Jackson are a married couple with one daughter who just has a horrible relationship. Like the most toxic out of toxics. Michelle was the main problem! She was so insecure, violent, and just cruel to Paul and her daughter. Oh, can’t forget her jealousy was just top tier. I’m not surprised what happened to her at all. Just a straight up BITCH.

The ending was crazyyyyy! A little far fetched how Alana decided to treat Emily at the point. You experience the story in “real time” while going through the trial. But seriously, if it was a woman I feel like that trial could have gone a whole other way and it’s not fair!

Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC copy. <3

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly I have to say Maria gave me a a free audible code for this book but it doesn't effect my rating I have to say I really enjoyed it there is a twist partly I suspected and there is a bit of the twist I didn't see coming but I found myself routing for Paul so the book hooked me well done Maria👍👍

[Chelsey (a_novel_idea11) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are too many stories (fact or fiction) out there depicting women as victims and men as abusers. Rarely do we hear about the inverse - women abusing men - but it happens, and the more we bring it to the forefront, the less this abuse will be tolerated or not believed.

The Married Couple is a perfect depiction of the cycle of violence and a hard look at what a man living with an abusive spouse might be like. It was at times hard to read but also really well done and hard to put down. Frankland did a tremendous job developing the backstory, bringing the reader into the whiplash of the violence and remorse, and showing us how it can feel impossible for someone to leave an abusive situation. Michelle's story was a sad one - a bully for a brother and an abuser and abandoner for a father. It was believable that this past trauma could so severely and negatively impact her, but it was certainly no excuse. I appreciated that there were a few chapters scattered throughout from Michelle's point of view - hearing her remorse, feeling her pain, and even reading that she knew she was crossing the line was challenging and frustrating but felt all too real.

I really loved that we got to experience the full trial. Frankland was informative and thorough but also to the point. It kept the plot moving at a great pace and was totally addictive - I truly didn't want to put this book down!

All in all, this was a really great read. It was hard to trust anyone and I had guesses about things but nothing played out quite like I had expected. I very highly recommend!

Thank you to Bookouture for the copy!

[Kate Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book really didn’t do it for me. It started off trying to give Gone Girl, but it felt like it wasn’t fully ready to commit. Further, I felt there were too many narratives going on and jumping around with memories and reality that it made the read confusing.

[Lorraine Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down felt awful for her husband and daughter.michelle was a very troubled woman didn’t want to join in family activity drank to much was vile . Iam surprise he put up with for so long good to read the male side of the story x

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good read.

When I thought for sure who the killer was, I was surprised at the ending. It kept me reading into the early morning hours.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did find this book enjoyable and it kept me entertained throughout. My only issue was that it dragged on a bit too much and it went into far too much unnecessary detail

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

This book is so well written I honestly didn't want it to end. It kept my interest throughout with a strong storyline and believable characters. Will definitely read more by this author. Enjoy!

[johnanimalantics.net, Margaret G Conlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb

What an absolutely amazing read. It had me captivated throughout. The plot was certainly a page turning experience. I didn’t see the ending at all though I thought it was someone else. Thank you. What makes it 5 stars was there was no profanity nor swearing which for me makes it more appealing.

[Elvira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book

I found this book quite a page Turner . Good story and you really wanted to yell at the characters were good and the portrayal of the main ones were really imaginable. I don’t usually buy books but it was well worth the 99p