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Her Best Friend's Husband
A wrenching new novel of guilt, good intentions, and terrifying twists by the acclaimed author of Casual Cruelties.
On paper, Claire has it all. A long and happy marriage, two lovely daughters, and a big house in the country. But she's hiding a secret . . .
Struggling with issues from her school days, Claire finds her life beginning to unravel as she seeks comfort in the arms of her best friend's husband. When she learns of a school reunion, she sees her opportunity to put things right.
But even the best laid plans can go awry, and not everyone is willing to forgive and forget . . .
On paper, Claire has it all. A long and happy marriage, two lovely daughters, and a big house in the country. But she's hiding a secret . . .
Struggling with issues from her school days, Claire finds her life beginning to unravel as she seeks comfort in the arms of her best friend's husband. When she learns of a school reunion, she sees her opportunity to put things right.
But even the best laid plans can go awry, and not everyone is willing to forgive and forget . . .
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2024
582 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Alison Irving
5 books43 followersAlison lives in a village outside Belfast with her husband, two children and a very spoiled cat. Casual Cruelties is her first novel. The follow up Her Best Friend's Husband, can be read as a standalone and follows Laura's friend Claire, whose past is having a devastating effect on her present.
The sequel, The Cheated Wife, will be published by Bloodhound Books in November, 2025
The Love We Chase is a standalone women's fiction about love, friendship and betrayal.
The sequel, The Cheated Wife, will be published by Bloodhound Books in November, 2025
The Love We Chase is a standalone women's fiction about love, friendship and betrayal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
August 20, 2024
Such a disappointment. It started out good so I kept reading only to realize this was not a thriller. I was skipping pages 50 percent in. What a waste of time! The title and cover make this book seem much more intriguing than it is. I feel duped.
July 24, 2024
Written in the first person, Claire seems to have an idyllic enviable life with a loving and devoted husband, two gorgeous grown up daughters at Uni, a house and wardrobe to die for and a limitless credit card.
And yet Claire has a secret that is endangering her whole existence. Her four Book Club best friends have no idea of Claire's tortuous past life spending her whole life festering on her teenage years at school, where she was mercilessly bullied by a group of girls.
She has now embarked on a fruitless affair with one of her Book Club friend's husbands whose identity isn't revealed until much later in the story.
I alternated between feeling extremely sorry for her and tearing my hair out at her naivety and thought processes.
On saying that, I enjoyed the book and found it to be an easy read. I couldn't wait to get to the end, and Claire's almost inevitable downfall.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC.
And yet Claire has a secret that is endangering her whole existence. Her four Book Club best friends have no idea of Claire's tortuous past life spending her whole life festering on her teenage years at school, where she was mercilessly bullied by a group of girls.
She has now embarked on a fruitless affair with one of her Book Club friend's husbands whose identity isn't revealed until much later in the story.
I alternated between feeling extremely sorry for her and tearing my hair out at her naivety and thought processes.
On saying that, I enjoyed the book and found it to be an easy read. I couldn't wait to get to the end, and Claire's almost inevitable downfall.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC.
July 30, 2024
In an overcrowded genre Alison Irving's psychological thrillers stand head and shoulders above the crowd. This second novel is almost too damned good. To finish it I had to stay awake beyond the witching hour , and now, immediately, I can't resist reading it a second time. There are nuances in the text I probably haven't yet grasped properly.
The writing is highly accomplished and very stylish; creating layer-upon-layer of emotional subtext; at times demanding my empathy, at others making me cringe at Claire's self-harming naivety. When she recalls her childhood trauma it is harrowing to read. She certainly has every right to seek revenge but I couldn't help remembering something my parents taught me: "two wrongs don't make a right".
Belfast; the city, its lough and surrounding hills, are beautifully drawn and make a picturesque backdrop to a profoundly well-crafted story.
Alison Irving deserves to see her name on a great many bestseller lists. I eagerly await her third novel.
The writing is highly accomplished and very stylish; creating layer-upon-layer of emotional subtext; at times demanding my empathy, at others making me cringe at Claire's self-harming naivety. When she recalls her childhood trauma it is harrowing to read. She certainly has every right to seek revenge but I couldn't help remembering something my parents taught me: "two wrongs don't make a right".
Belfast; the city, its lough and surrounding hills, are beautifully drawn and make a picturesque backdrop to a profoundly well-crafted story.
Alison Irving deserves to see her name on a great many bestseller lists. I eagerly await her third novel.
July 21, 2024
As soon as I finished this book, I looked up the author to see what other books she has published. I want to read everything she writes. These are some of the strengths that kept me turning pages:
• The first-person narrator lets the reader into her mind as she contemplates cheating on her husband (whom she dearly loves) and having sex with another man (whom she can hardly tolerate).
• The narrator’s backstory is woven in beautifully and is revealed at just the right moments.
• As the narrator totally wrecks her own life, I had no idea how the plot could be resolved until the last few sentences of the novel.
• The story made me better understand revenge, both its sweet enticement and its propensity to backfire.
Kudos Alison Irving. HER BEST FRIEND’S HUSBAND is a book I thoroughly enjoyed and will not forget.
• The first-person narrator lets the reader into her mind as she contemplates cheating on her husband (whom she dearly loves) and having sex with another man (whom she can hardly tolerate).
• The narrator’s backstory is woven in beautifully and is revealed at just the right moments.
• As the narrator totally wrecks her own life, I had no idea how the plot could be resolved until the last few sentences of the novel.
• The story made me better understand revenge, both its sweet enticement and its propensity to backfire.
Kudos Alison Irving. HER BEST FRIEND’S HUSBAND is a book I thoroughly enjoyed and will not forget.
July 14, 2024
A great read. The build-up to the finale is filled with intrigue. Unfurling the heartache of bullying at school, Claire finds the past and present combine to an explosive end. Well written. I shed the odd tear at the position Claire finds herself in and what bullying can do to a person. Can't wait to read more from this author.
February 15, 2025
A story that clearly outlines the effect of bullying and harassment of teenagers that left unattended will lead to poor decision making, poor life choices and vengeance in adulthood.
Support, counselling and healing played a critical role in the ending.
Support, counselling and healing played a critical role in the ending.
July 29, 2024
This was an enjoyable read I looked forward to it each day it tells the story of the bullying Claire went through in her childhood and her need for revenge
August 28, 2024
Claire is… a bit frustrating, if I’m being honest. She’s wealthy, gorgeous, and has a doting husband, but she’s not happy with that. She’s having an affair with her friend’s husband. She’s got a secret past no one, not even her husband, knows about. It felt like it took forever for Claire to finally get to the big secret reveal, that was the frustrating part. Then again, I couldn’t stop reading because I had to know, so good on the author for that! There was a lot packed into this book and it’s well worth the read.
August 28, 2024
This was an interesting read, and it def took me on journey I didn’t totally expect in a good way. It was twisted, and Claire was stuck in seeking the revenge and payback for the traumas she faced as a young child and it showed healing of family and relationships, turmoil and how life experiences can tear us apart and hold on long after they occur.
July 20, 2024
I have really enjoyed Alison’s new novel and am looking forward to her next! She has created a ‘Desperate Housewives’ type environment in which she exposes dark secrets behind the white picket fences and fake smiles. Her first two novels have focussed on the coercive control within one marriage and adultery within a neighbour’s. Alison writes thoughtfully and intelligently about uncomfortable issues in a compelling writing style.
August 16, 2024
Fabulous book! Really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down! It gripped me right from the beginning. I did read the previous book but this book could easily be read as a stand alone.
July 18, 2024
Excellent
Told in the first person by Claire this book leads you back to Clare’s childhood to perhaps help you understand why some of the things she does during Menopause make more sense, but will you agree and still sympathise for her as you are drawn deeper into this fantastic read.
My opinion changed multiple times whilst reading this great book by Alison Irving but the ending might be just a bit too sweet for some.
Told in the first person by Claire this book leads you back to Clare’s childhood to perhaps help you understand why some of the things she does during Menopause make more sense, but will you agree and still sympathise for her as you are drawn deeper into this fantastic read.
My opinion changed multiple times whilst reading this great book by Alison Irving but the ending might be just a bit too sweet for some.
August 27, 2024
Aside from a few editing issues (misspelled words) this wasn't a terrible read. Was it for me? Not really. The reasoning for the cheating when revealed was so anticlimactic and I felt absolutely zero sympathy for the narrator. All she did was hurt her husband. The bully knew her husband was a serial cheater and was hurt but the real pain inflicted was on the narrators husband and no one else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2025
Great book
From the first page, I was hooked. Good storyline with some flashbacks. Bullying happens to a some people and this book makes you realize the long lasting effects.
From the first page, I was hooked. Good storyline with some flashbacks. Bullying happens to a some people and this book makes you realize the long lasting effects.
August 12, 2024
You don't see too many first person novels around so it did take me a couple of chapters to get into this one. Claire has a privileged life with a credit card at her disposal and a loving family. Haunted by her past, she seems intent on destroying her life in order to get revenge. The infidelity plotline did make it harder to really feel for Claire, particularly during the last chapter where she seems almost exasperated that she's still yet to be forgiven. A good read with an ending which is inevitably bittersweet - and only what Claire deserves.
August 29, 2024
This was a great read. It was very thrilling and thought-provoking.
It was one of those books that gives you the goosebumps at certain parts, spine tingling.
It tells a story of Claire, her heartbreaking tale of how her childhood was full of abuse and bullying, and now she needs to get revenge on those who hurt her.
But was it worth it?
I loved the writing style. It was smooth, very easy to read, and very descriptive.
I could clearly visualise every detail as I read, absorbing everything in.
I will definitely be on the lookout for more for this author.
It was one of those books that gives you the goosebumps at certain parts, spine tingling.
It tells a story of Claire, her heartbreaking tale of how her childhood was full of abuse and bullying, and now she needs to get revenge on those who hurt her.
But was it worth it?
I loved the writing style. It was smooth, very easy to read, and very descriptive.
I could clearly visualise every detail as I read, absorbing everything in.
I will definitely be on the lookout for more for this author.
July 30, 2024
The sign of a good book is that you don’t want to put it down however late in the night it is and this is one of those books. I liked how it was written in the first person. It tells the story of Claire and her life of abuse and revenge. The storyline is good and that has made me want to read more by this author. Great characters and you can almost imagine being in the story.
August 10, 2024
A long game thriller that shows just how far someone will go for revenge. The book gives you hints throughout the book that you can use to try to guess the ending but the red herrings and other things the author includes to throw you off caught me and I couldn’t guess the ending. The book started out a little slow but once it picked up it was a race to the end. This was the first book I’ve read by this author but it won’t be the last.
January 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
A great domestic thriller with a slow burn start but picked up, ensuring the ending is tense and exciting. I must admit I saw everything coming and I struggled to feel sorry for the MC but it was well written and easy to read. Perfect for domestic thriller fans.
A great domestic thriller with a slow burn start but picked up, ensuring the ending is tense and exciting. I must admit I saw everything coming and I struggled to feel sorry for the MC but it was well written and easy to read. Perfect for domestic thriller fans.
January 15, 2025
Great read
Could not put down, good storyline, characters you love and hate. I will highly recommend this book and looking forward to reading her other books. Found a new author to follow.
Could not put down, good storyline, characters you love and hate. I will highly recommend this book and looking forward to reading her other books. Found a new author to follow.
October 26, 2024
Beautifully written and I really enjoyed it
September 9, 2024
This book had me flipping from one feeling to the next. It had me hooked from the get go, it had me shouting at my phone, and it had me second guessing whether I even liked our main character Claire more than once!
The writing of this book is impeccable. From the start it is layered with so many different thoughts and feelings, so much backstory, so many characters that are all relevant and developed so well, and the description of our settings are sublime too.
The plot itself had me guessing at times. As it’s set in the POV of our main character Claire, it’s hard at times to see her sabotaging her life, making bad choices and I couldn’t guess what was happening until it happened. Which to me makes a perfect psychological thriller.
I will be looking up other works by this author as I loved the writing style completely. A really great read. And I’m tempted in future to go back and read again and see what I may have missed first time round!
The writing of this book is impeccable. From the start it is layered with so many different thoughts and feelings, so much backstory, so many characters that are all relevant and developed so well, and the description of our settings are sublime too.
The plot itself had me guessing at times. As it’s set in the POV of our main character Claire, it’s hard at times to see her sabotaging her life, making bad choices and I couldn’t guess what was happening until it happened. Which to me makes a perfect psychological thriller.
I will be looking up other works by this author as I loved the writing style completely. A really great read. And I’m tempted in future to go back and read again and see what I may have missed first time round!
September 2, 2024
Having read Casual Cruelties by this author towards the end of last year, I was really keen to read more of their work - so when I spotted this new release, I jumped at the chance to read.
I loved the front cover straight away which looked dark and creepy despite that pop of colour.
I can spot a great psychological cover from a mile away now and I absolutely love that I can tell straight away that it's going to be a great read.
Having said this, I did find it a little harder to connect with this one due to the characters (initially) being unlikable.
Now, I feel bad saying this now I've finished, because somehow, despite me disliking Claire from the start, I really did turn around and end up feeling for her by the end of the book.
I struggled with the fact that Claire had what looked like the perfect life.
Doting husband and beautiful children and a gorgeous house.
As we read through though, we discover the source of her unhappiness and although I don't agree with her choice of how to gain comfort, it does make this more believable.
This story deals with past bullying behaviour and again we see Claire set on revenge as she worries about attending an upcoming reunion.
Having been bullied at school, I definitely felt for Claire and could totally relate to the anguish the event was causing her.
I know I'd be the same, but ultimately, would stay well away!
After a little slower start, we see the tension and pace pick up and race towards a perfect ending, I couldn't stop reading.
Another great read by this author and I can't wait to see more in the future.
I loved the front cover straight away which looked dark and creepy despite that pop of colour.
I can spot a great psychological cover from a mile away now and I absolutely love that I can tell straight away that it's going to be a great read.
Having said this, I did find it a little harder to connect with this one due to the characters (initially) being unlikable.
Now, I feel bad saying this now I've finished, because somehow, despite me disliking Claire from the start, I really did turn around and end up feeling for her by the end of the book.
I struggled with the fact that Claire had what looked like the perfect life.
Doting husband and beautiful children and a gorgeous house.
As we read through though, we discover the source of her unhappiness and although I don't agree with her choice of how to gain comfort, it does make this more believable.
This story deals with past bullying behaviour and again we see Claire set on revenge as she worries about attending an upcoming reunion.
Having been bullied at school, I definitely felt for Claire and could totally relate to the anguish the event was causing her.
I know I'd be the same, but ultimately, would stay well away!
After a little slower start, we see the tension and pace pick up and race towards a perfect ending, I couldn't stop reading.
Another great read by this author and I can't wait to see more in the future.
September 1, 2024
Claire is standing by her best friend’s side as she buries her husband, even if she couldn’t stand the man. Perhaps it’s because she is fulfilling her best friend duties. But underneath it all there is a sense of guilt and need to right the wrongs of her life. Claire is like so many women, carrying a sense of not feeling like enough, yet her journey plays out in a dark and twisty manner rooted from deep trauma. Between an extramarital affair and an upcoming high school reunion that is forcing Claire to face her past, her life is unraveling before her eyes. Alison Irving writes a deliciously dark thriller that still manages to evoke a sense of heartfelt emotions of facing dark demons from our past in a compelling and beautifully written manner.
September 3, 2024
This is different from what I usually read. I did enjoy it, felt the ending was expected and abrupt. It kept me interested enough to read it in 1 day.
It seemed to jump around a bit but everything worked and everything was answered. I would recommend reading.
It seemed to jump around a bit but everything worked and everything was answered. I would recommend reading.
August 30, 2024
I don’t know how I feel about this to be honest,but the book is fantastic. But I’m not sure if I love or dislike Claire as a person, if that makes sense. I understand completely how awful her school years were, but I don’t understand the actions- I would want to live my life without the stress.
I really don’t agree with hurting my close family just for a 10 minute karma. I do like karma though especially when you don’t create it yourself.
The build up of this story is good, I also loved the flashbacks to when Claire was younger.
Overall a very enjoyable read, some parts really made me think back to my school days, and glad I didn’t have a reunion.
The author definitely kept me interested in the story, great characters, a brilliant read.
I really don’t agree with hurting my close family just for a 10 minute karma. I do like karma though especially when you don’t create it yourself.
The build up of this story is good, I also loved the flashbacks to when Claire was younger.
Overall a very enjoyable read, some parts really made me think back to my school days, and glad I didn’t have a reunion.
The author definitely kept me interested in the story, great characters, a brilliant read.
September 1, 2024
I couldn't put it down! It was obscure in the beginning, but unravelled as it went along.
It was a fun read.
It was a fun read.
December 23, 2024
A story of revenge and redemption
Follow the story of Claire as she dreams of revenge against school bullies from 30 years ago. The book slowly unveils the back story as it charts the downward spiral of Claire's mental health.
Beautiful written, it kept me turning the pages well into the night.
Follow the story of Claire as she dreams of revenge against school bullies from 30 years ago. The book slowly unveils the back story as it charts the downward spiral of Claire's mental health.
Beautiful written, it kept me turning the pages well into the night.
August 24, 2024
Her Best Friends's Husband by Alison Irving.
This was a good read. I did like the cover. I liked the writing style. I did find this to be slow burn. It took me a while to get into it. I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters, although I really didn't like Claire at all. I did like the party bit where Vicky, Annie, Kate, and Laura were in the ladies with Claire. Claire did grow on me. I did like the ending.
This was a good read. I did like the cover. I liked the writing style. I did find this to be slow burn. It took me a while to get into it. I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters, although I really didn't like Claire at all. I did like the party bit where Vicky, Annie, Kate, and Laura were in the ladies with Claire. Claire did grow on me. I did like the ending.
August 26, 2024
Compelling. Had to keep reading at 5.00 on a Bank Holiday morning!
A fabulous follow-up to “Casual Cruelties”. Not my usual psychological thriller fare but an absolutely thrilling story, provoking a great amount of self-examination. Superb.
A fabulous follow-up to “Casual Cruelties”. Not my usual psychological thriller fare but an absolutely thrilling story, provoking a great amount of self-examination. Superb.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews