How Well Do You Know Your Husband?

by M.Q. Webb

Aria’s perfect life begins to unravel when she suspects her husband, Ethan, is having an affair.

As she navigates her feelings of betrayal, Aria starts to notice someone is following her.

When her friend, Isla, is murdered in the bathroom of a dark bar, Aria is left grappling with the chilling possibility that Isla’s death was meant for her.

Amidst the police investigation, rising paranoia, and Ethan's increasingly suspicious behavior, Aria is forced to question everyone around her, including herself.

In this gripping psychological thriller, the lines between trust and deceit blur, leaving Aria wondering: how well do you really know the people closest to you?

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Adult, Suspense

350 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2024

About the author

M. Q. Webb writes psychological thrillers and suspense novels, including the Oscar de la Nuit series. Her books have hit the Amazon best seller chart in the US. She studied psychology but prefers the fictional kind.

Not all secrets stay behind closed doors . . . The Girl in the Cellar is her latest psychological thriller.

Also writes under Maryann Webb

Reviews

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This thriller is a twisty ride filled with deceit, betrayal, and murder. Is someone following Aria? Is her husband having an affair? High intensity sprinkled with mystery describes this original, entertaining, fast-paced page-turner. The shocking conclusion was a satisfying ending to this unpredictable, intriguing tale. There were numerous twists throughout that I never saw coming. This is the first book I have read by this author, but definitely will not be the last. Thank you, BookSirens for my copy.

[Foxy Vixen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Wow! If yo like thrillers with lots of twists and turns this one is for you!
Lies and more lies!
Cheating husband ???
Unsolved murders
Insane woman who aren’t who you think they are!
Dead but not dead!
Pregnant o not?
And to think our oast will never leave you, just takes a deep conspiracy to catch up with you!

[Rachel the Page-Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aria and Ethan have been married for three years, and are trying to have a baby. Unfortunately, Ethan is always out of town for business, so that makes conceiving much more difficult. Even more difficult than that? Aria is convinced that Ethan is having an affair. Recently, he sometimes ignores her messages, and he keeps extending his business trips, even when Aria really needs him. She feels like someone has been following her and after receiving some disturbing emails, the first of which asking her how well she knows her husband, she’s definitely feeling uneasy.

While her husband is away on yet another trip, Aria gets together with her friends Cassandra, Zoe and Isla. They are out at a bar celebrating Cassandra’s promotion when suddenly, they realize they haven’t seen Isla in a while. Aria goes to the bathroom to see if she’s in there, and she is - and she’s dead. Aria immediately wonders if her potential stalker accidentally killed Isla, mistaking the two women with similar builds and hair. She’s got a lot to find out, and she does…in time.

For most of the book, I knew I’d give it 3.5 stars, but I wasn’t sure whether to round up or down. This book was filled with so many common domestic thriller tropes and clichés, like infidelity, jealousy, infertility, rivalry, mendacity, violence and secrets from the past. I wonder if the author is English, as some words aren’t really ones that Americans use (I see this a lot!). The plot was relatively generic, but the ending has me rounding up my rating - it was the best part of the book and completed the story nicely. This isn’t the most thrilling thriller ever, but it was fine for a quick read.

(Thank you to TBR Publishing, M.Q. Webb and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on November 18, 2024.)

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. It centers on Aria, who is struggling with her husband and with the idea that someone is following her when her friend is murdered and she thinks it might be about her. The prologue starts the book off quickly bit after that the pace is a little bit slower, with a lot of internal narrative.

I suppose Aria was a likable character but she came off very naive to me. I feel like some of the things that came to light should’ve been questioned a long time ago. There was some good suspense at times on this book but other times it read a bit slow. I wasn’t super surprised at the twist at the end but I do think the action was ratcheted up well at that point in the book.

Overall, decent read that fell just a little flat because I couldn’t really believe that Aria didn’t dig into some things a little deeper. Held my interest overall, though. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[crystal niche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again.. this is why I love domestic thrillers.

[Aurora Jay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Aria knows she’s being followed, and suspects her husband is having an affair

✨ Read if you enjoy: soap opera drama, red herrings, twists
✨Don’t read if you loathe: telenovelas, repetitive recollections, unrealistic shenanigans

Aria and Ethan are happily married - or so she thinks. After finding her friend murdered, she begins questioning everything she thought she knew

Aria’s internal questions and assumptions make this book a lot longer than it should have been. It got repetitive and I found it frustrating and dull

Conversations are tricky to follow as Aria continuous to speculate after each response, breaking the conversation into pieces

There’s a lot going on and it all comes to a head at the end of the book - it’s so dramatic and revealing, I didn’t know whether to laugh or applaud

Regardless of the constant speculation, it was actually a really addictive book. You know when you watch a soap opera and it’s nonsense, but you can’t stop watching? This felt like that

Thanks to Netgalley and TBR Press for access to this eBook ARC in exchange for my honest review

[Cheryl P. (review hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel was an ARC I snagged off of Book Sirens. When Aria suspects her husband, Ethan, is cheating on her, she discovers the truth is far more complicated. Although a little slow at times, this book is full of twists and turns. Solid 4/5 stars from me.

[olls’ library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC of this book for an honest review.

I was shocked to see so many 4 star reviews and less because this was a solid 5 star read for me. Thriller/mystery and crime are my favourite genres and I absolutely loved this book.

I was stuck to my kindle the entire day and I read it in one. I was so engaged and just constantly had to find out what happened next. There were so many twists that I just didn’t see coming and I was really happy with the ending which is never usually the case for me with thrillers.

I’d definitely recommend anyone who loves a good unpredictable thriller to pick this up!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thank you to Booksirens and MQ Webb for an ARC of this gripping psychological thriller. While the storyline and characters do capture the readers attention, I did find that it was a bit of a slow start; however, the ending is full of twists that will ensure you don’t put the book down until the end! I enjoyed this book and would read others by this author.

[Amy Boo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSirens for this free ARC!

I loved this book! It was very good but a little bit predictable. I still enjoyed it nonetheless. The plot is addictive and multilayered. Very satisfying ending.

[Ashley Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

How Well Do You Know Your Husband by M..Q. Webb is a fast-paced compelling thriller that explores the themes of deception and the fragile state of intimacy and relationships. Aria is having a much-needed girls night out at a bar when one of her friends is murdered in the bathroom. And it looks like Aria was the intended victim. Faced with suspicions of infidelity from her husband Ethan, Aria tries to get to the bottom of the truth. Then the texts start to arrive... "How well do you know your husband"? When Aria starts investigating on her own she wonders could Ethan be involved in her friend's murder? Is he capable of being that evil? Who is her husband really?
This book was a wild ride, so many twists and turns. At the beginning it started off a little slow but quickly picked up right until the end.
Thank you to NetGalley, M.Q. Webb, and TBR for this ARC. Release date was November 18th 2024.

[Lisa Aiello · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars (when is Goodreads EVER going to listen to us and allow half stars???) It's kind of scary to imagine that you don't really know the person you are spending your life with because we can only see what they want to show us. Some people have great instinct and intuition, and others don't. Or we've not learned to listen to our inner voice. Or we simply don't want to know because then we have to confront things and take action. I found our main character to be a bit frustrating because a lot could have been solved/avoided if she had just confronted her husband and asked the tough questions. I suppose he could still lie, but she knew deep down what her intuition was trying to tell her. Anywho...a very engaging read that I was invested in seeing to the end to figure it all out.

[JT Milam · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️🤩

First of all, thank you to TBR Press and Net Galley for the ARC of this phenomenal novel. HOLY ****!! I was enthralled the entire time. I didn’t see any of this coming; the twists were insane. I literally finish this book in a day because I could not put it down. The only thing keeping this from being a five star read for me was the final few chapters where every character we had ever met was somehow brought back to the narrative…maybe we didn’t really NEED all that, but overall I would recommend!

[Leila · Rating 4 out of 5]

With thanks to netgalley and Independent Book Publishers Association for the advanced copy.

This is a great twisty thriller that I read in just over a day. I didn’t see the end coming and looked forward to seeing where the story would go next.

I’ve given this book four stars simply because I do feel like the ending was a little dragged out and it was hard to follow at times but overall, a great twisty thriller!

[Jules · Rating 2 out of 5]

It felt like the author was given a dare to put a smattering of crimes into one novel. Listing them would confuse a future reader and having just finished the book, I'm terribly confused. Aria as a main character was frustratingly dim. I did devour the book, so the writing did keep me hooked.

[Deborah Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Read

This book has many different people with secrets that will go to any length to keep them. The ending was a surprise for sure!

[Páginas Pretas · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review


Esta leitura foi ok, também foi a minha estreia com a escrita da autora.
Foi o thriller doméstico até bastante conseguido por parte da autora. Achei o inicio um pouco cliche, lá está é um drama doméstica. No entanto, com o decorrer da ação as coisas foram melhorando. O enredo é bom, confesso que a Aria por vezes também conseguiu ser um pouco irritante. O final também não foi mau de todo.
É sem duvida uma boa leitura para quem é fã do género, não tem nada a perder

[Ashy Eddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aria and Ethan are ‚happily‘ married and trying to have a baby. Until Aria needs him the most after a horrible accident and feels Ethan is acting strange. She starts to suspect her husband of cheating and tries to figure out for sure behind his back whiling dealing with a horrible loss. What’s the worst scenario you can think of to happen?? Uh no, think again! This psychological thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat and every silver of info you get the more you THINK you know the plot twist…. Crazy ending. Definitely hope you know your spouses better than these two know each other!;).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for my copy.

This book was okay but alot of the things the FMC did just felt silly and no wonder everything went to shit for her. She has this bestie she can "trust with her life" but literally never tells her anything. She has a husband who lets the housekeeper (of a small flat) treat her like shit and lets herself in and out of the flat at will she she doesn't think to point this out to other people for HER OWN DAMN SAFETY?

So many things could have been avoided if the main character just thought about her own safety even a tiny bit more. So I found that very annoying.

Overall, the writing was fine and it moved along. Okay but these issues made the whole book seem much longer than it was.

Happy to try something else by Webb though.

[The Reawakened Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been limiting myself to one mystery/thriller per month, and for good reason. Sometimes they are such a mind f*ck!! How Well Do You Know Your Husband truly messed with my mind. It took me a few chapters to get into this psychological thriller (this ain’t no spicy romance novel), but honestly, those first chapters were so necessary to set up the story. So many twists and turns. Just when I thought I’d figured it out, another piece of the puzzle was introduced and I had to rethink everything. I literally yelled out WHAT!! in the last few chapters and hubby had to check on me to see what was going on. There’s moments in the later chapters that tie in nicely to the beginning which made things click into place, and that was very satisfying. I can see how the FMC Aria could come across as too passive and oblivious to some, but once you read what happened to her in the past, you can understand why. Also, MMC Ethan deserves a throat punch. Overall this was a great read and I look forward to reading more of @mqwebbauthor’s work. Add it to your TBR.

NB. I received a free ARC for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Stacey Crampton · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC which I’ve exchanged for my honest review.

Plot:

Aria’s perfect life begins to unravel when she suspects her husband, Ethan, is having an affair.

As she navigates her feelings of betrayal, Aria starts to notice someone is following her.

When her friend, Isla, is murdered in the bathroom of a dark bar, Aria is left grappling with the chilling possibility that Isla’s death was meant for her.

Review:

The first 3/4 of this book was great - it had good pacing, a good mystery and I was powering through, thinking this will easily be a 4 star read. Then the final part of the book got very chaotic, a little bit crazy and became very hard to keep up with. I’m actually still none the wiser or who was actually responsible for Isla’s death. The person “responsible” was revealed a few times that I don’t know for sure which one was real - and I’m not really sure how Ethan ended up in prison. Cheating is a douchey thing to do, but I’m pretty sure it’s not a crime. The book was really let down by the ending, it had so much potential.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This psychological thriller by M.Q. Webb, propels readers into the chaotic life of Aria, a woman whose seemingly perfect existence begins to fracture as she suspects her husband, Ethan, of infidelity. What unfolds is a gripping story of betrayal, paranoia, and the dark undercurrents of trust.

Aria's journey begins with suspicion—Ethan's frequent work trips and unavailability fill their marriage with doubt. However, the plot thickens when she finds herself being followed, and the tension peaks with the shocking murder of her best friend, Isla, during an innocent girls' night out. As Aria confronts the chilling reality that Isla may have been killed instead of her, she is thrust into a whirlwind of uncertainty, questioning not only Ethan's fidelity but also the motives of everyone around her.

The novel excels in creating an atmosphere of suspense, with numerous twists and unexpected characters popping-up that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Webb does an impressive job of intertwining multiple storylines, leading to an unexpected conclusion that ties the narrative together. Just when you think you've unraveled the mystery, another twist comes along.

While the complexity of the plot adds intrigue, it can also lead to confusion. At times, I found it challenging to keep track of the characters and how they fit into the larger narrative. This is an aspect that could benefit from some refinement. The book would gain clarity if Webb tightened the pacing and streamlined certain subplots, which at times felt extraneous. A particularly notable critique is the delayed revelation of key information that Aria hints at throughout the book. While the final chapters do bring clarity, the buildup was frustrating for readers like me who crave more immediate answers.

Overall, the book is a compelling read that explores the darker sides of intimacy and perception. With its exciting premise and intricate plot, it’s a promising addition to the psychological thriller genre. I commend the author for crafting a complex storyline that ultimately concludes with satisfying resolution, and I look forward to seeing how her writing evolves in future works.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Chantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: How Well Do You Really Know Your Husband? by M.Q. Webb

M.Q. Webb delivers a masterful psychological thriller that keeps you questioning everything—and everyone. From the opening chapter, How Well Do You Really Know Your Husband? grips readers with its tense, claustrophobic atmosphere and Aria’s unraveling sense of security.

Aria, whose life initially seems idyllic, faces a storm of betrayal and fear. Her husband Ethan’s potential infidelity becomes just the tip of the iceberg as she realizes someone is following her. When Isla, her close friend, is brutally murdered, the lines between coincidence and conspiracy blur, plunging Aria into a spiral of paranoia. Webb crafts Aria’s internal conflict and growing distrust with such vivid detail that it’s impossible not to share her unease.

The plot twists are relentless yet never feel forced, skillfully balancing suspense with psychological depth. Webb’s background in psychology shines through in the nuanced portrayal of human behavior, adding layers of complexity to the characters. Ethan, the enigmatic husband, keeps you guessing—Is he a villain, a victim, or something in between?

The setting is hauntingly vivid, with scenes like Isla’s murder in the dimly lit bar adding a cinematic quality that lingers long after you’ve turned the page. The murder investigation adds another layer of tension, forcing Aria to confront her own doubts and vulnerabilities as she questions everyone around her, including herself.

This book is more than a thriller; it’s an exploration of trust, deception, and the fragility of human relationships. Fans of domestic thrillers and psychological suspense will devour How Well Do You Really Know Your Husband? and find themselves questioning their own instincts about the people they hold closest.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A gripping, thought-provoking read that will leave you reeling until the very last page

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

M.Q. Webb’s How Well Do You Know Your Husband is a pulse-pounding psychological thriller that takes readers on a chilling journey of love, betrayal, and paranoia. With its intricately woven plot and unreliable characters, this novel will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Aria, the protagonist, appears to have the perfect life—until cracks begin to form. When she suspects her husband, Ethan, of infidelity, her picture-perfect world starts to collapse. Webb expertly portrays Aria’s growing distrust and emotional turmoil, pulling the reader into her fractured reality. As Aria begins to notice someone following her, the tension ratchets up, culminating in the brutal murder of her friend, Isla, at a shadowy bar. This turning point transforms the story from a tale of domestic suspense into a full-fledged whodunit with high stakes.

The writing is taut and atmospheric, immersing readers in Aria’s paranoia. Every character, from Ethan to the seemingly benign people in Aria’s life, becomes a suspect. Webb masterfully keeps the reader questioning who can be trusted and whether Aria’s perceptions are reliable. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter unraveling new secrets and red herrings that deepen the mystery.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in its exploration of trust and deception within relationships. Aria’s inner struggle to reconcile her love for Ethan with her suspicions creates a compelling emotional core. The themes of betrayal, grief, and self-doubt add depth to the plot, elevating the book beyond a simple thriller.

How Well Do You Know Your Husband is a gripping tale for fans of domestic thrillers and psychological suspense. Perfect for readers who enjoy the mind games of Lisa Jewell or the shocking twists of Gillian Flynn, Webb’s novel is a must-read that will leave you questioning how well you know the people in your own life.

[Gwen Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book is fantastic! It has it all and so many twists and turns it is a real rollercoaster ride. Aria seems to have a perfect life and it all starts to crash down around her when she suspects her husband, Ethan of infidelity. From here we find the story starting to deepen with betrayal, who do you trust and paranoia. She is being followed and can never catch the person following her, why is she being followed and who is it? She goes out with friends of hers and the Isla, one of her best friends, is found murdered in the bathroom. Was it supposed to be her killed and they got Isla instead? Ethan is on a work trip and seems to be very disinterested in Isla dying. Did he have anything to do with her death? Does he even realize how much I need him for support right now?

Aria is a nurse in a busy NYC hospital. She is normally calm and level headed, she has to be with the things she runs into in her career. And now she finds herself questioning everything and everyone in her life. You are on pins and needles and the edge of your seat right up to the end of this book. Sometimes you forget who goes with who or how they are connecting in the story. And just when you think you have it figured out another character or another twist is brought into the book. Needless to say this book will keep you going from page one until the very end and have you asking questions about your own life at times.

I will leave you saying this is a great book and I highly recommend that you read it.

[TheLisaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

M.Q. Webb’s How Well Do You Know Your Husband is a fast-paced, mind-bending thriller that grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go until its shocking conclusion. Told through the compelling voice of Aria, the protagonist, the novel expertly blends suspense, mystery, and emotional tension.

The story kicks off with a chilling twist: Aria’s best friend is murdered, setting off a chain of events that force her to question everything she thought she knew about the people closest to her—especially her husband. Webb weaves an intricate narrative filled with red herrings, unexpected revelations, and moments of genuine shock that keep you guessing. Each chapter adds a new layer to the story, drawing you deeper into the tangled web of secrets and lies.

The strength of this novel lies in its ability to make the reader second-guess their assumptions. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, Webb introduces another twist that upends everything. The psychological depth of Aria’s journey, combined with the relentless pace of the plot, makes this a thriller you won’t want to put down.

For fans of domestic suspense and psychological thrillers, How Well Do You Know Your Husband is a must-read. It’s not just a story about crime or betrayal; it’s a gripping exploration of trust, love, and the dark corners of the human psyche. Prepare to be hooked from the start—and to keep thinking about it long after you’ve turned the final page.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow so many twists and turns and maybes and maybe nots I had to focus on who what and where people were in this book. But it was awesome! As I was trying to guess who did it and how they did it without others knowing. I thought I had a decent idea who did it and guessed right but for the wrong reasons. This book was so full of crosses and double crosses and killers and cryptic texts that it was so who might be asking the question and why? The premise was a cheating husband who was married to Aria and might still be married to another woman when he "falls in love with Aria.
There is so many plots and subplot and friends and spurned lovers of bygone times that you wonder who might have killed Aria’s two friends and why. Then there is Aria’s maybe, maybe not pregnancy and how it affects her husband Ethan view of her and as to who he is married to, or was married to and maybe sleeping with that has the wheels turning about in my head.
Then there is Aria's past history of an abusive relationship and how she is wondering if she is repeating history. I'd highly recommend this book just keeps you on our toes as to who is doing what to whom or might be doing harm to whom. This was a complex story of who should be in prison or dead and who are the good guys if anyone.

I'll be reading more of this author, great story.

[Bianca Ellerkamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

It all starts with little things that make Aria suspect that her husband, Ethan, is having an affair. Then she got the feeling that someone is following her. When little after that her friend, Isla, is murdered in the bathroom of a dark bar, Aria can't shake the feeling that Isla’s death was meant for her. Little by little she discovers that her pretty perfect life isn't so perfect. Does she really know her husband? Who can she trust?
Starting with an exciting prologue, the tension drops somewhat in the first two chapters. But then it builds up again and that's when the story gets in your head and doesn't leave until the last words.
The plot is greatly constructed, further along the story are several added twists that destroy everything you thought you knew.
The main characters are well developed, little by little you learn something about them. But in the end the final twist gives everything away and the story around the characters is complete.
How Well Do You Know Your Husband has been described as a gripping psychological thriller and that is 100 percent true.
The author has done a great job and has made sure that this book will stick in my mind for a long time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cc Readsss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Release: Nov 17, 2024

Rating: 4/5 ★

How Well Do You Know Your Husband? by MQ Webb is a captivating story that begins with an intriguing prologue, building suspense and tension as the plot unfolds. The narrative takes unexpected twists that challenge everything the reader thought they understood, keeping them hooked until the very end. The characters are slowly revealed, with each chapter adding layers to their development. The final twist ties all the pieces together, offering a satisfying conclusion that leaves a lasting impact.
The book grabs you right from the exciting prologue, but the tension takes a bit of a dip in the first few chapters. However, it quickly picks up again, and that’s when the story really starts to stick with you, lingering in your mind until the very last page. The plot is incredibly well-crafted, and as the story unfolds, there are several unexpected twists that completely upend everything you thought you knew. The characters are also well-developed; you slowly get to know more about them as the story progresses. By the end, the final twist ties everything together perfectly, giving a full picture of the story and its characters.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aria's perfect life turns out to be not so perfect as she increasingly suspects her husband Ethan is cheating. Add to that the eerie sense someone's always watching and following just enough behind that she can't identify them, and the paranoia is heavy!

Ethan has become controlling and distant, and has gone so far as to mandate she doesn't go out to have a drink with her girlfriends since they're so heavily focused on getting pregnant. This has caused her to withdraw from her friend group and avoid sharing the reality of her situation with them. They all know something's up, and insist she join them for a mystery celebration with drinks at a local bar. But their friend Isla is found murdered that night in the bathroom. This only feeds Aria's fears, and rightfully so. As she confronts her fears and suspicions, she finds many surprises along the way.

Most of the characters were relatable and developed well enough, and while the story wasn't exactly groundbreaking, it was extremely intense and riveting. I had a hard time putting it down!

Thanks to NetGalley, TBR | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles and M.Q. Webb for the eARC.