The First Husband: A totally gripping and utterly thrilling psychological page-turner

by Elisabeth Carpenter

‘Gripping… Hooked from start to finish… Kept me turning the pages well into the night!’ Rubie_reads, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I thought my first husband was dead. But when I get a letter with his name on it just days before my wedding, it will tear my perfect new life apart…

As we drive up to the gorgeous house by the lake with its red and yellow roses round the door, I breathe in the pure air and count my blessings. In two days’ time I’m getting married to Matt, my soulmate and the father of my beautiful boy. After all the pain of my past, my life now is perfect.

But later that night I hear a knocking outside. I find the back door swinging open and a card lying on the floor, addressed to me in familiar handwriting…

I can’t wait to see you. I’ve missed you so much. All my love, Callum.

Callum was my first husband. Eight years ago, when we were staying at this exact same place for my birthday, he disappeared.

All the people who were with me that terrible night are here for the wedding. My brother. His wife. My new partner Callum’s best friend. We all had reasons to hate Callum then. We all have reasons to lie now.

The police are sure Callum is dead. But as I look around at my loved ones, I wonder…

Does someone know what really happened that night?

Does someone know what I did?

And if Callum is back, is he the dangerous one… or is it one of us?

An utterly page-turning, gripping psychological thriller, full of twists and gasp-out-loud moments. Perfect for fans of K.L. Slater, Shari Lapena and Claire Douglas.

See what readers are saying about The First Husband:

‘What a belter… a real edge-of-your-seat book!… I loved… kept me guessing right up until the very last page!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘I read this book in one sitting!… From the very beginning I was hooked!… kept me guessing and wanting more… Loved this!… had me turning the pages SO FAST!’ Fable, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Wow!… gripping from the very start!… I found myself reading faster and faster, desperate to know what happened… A brilliant read!’ Goodreads reviewer

‘Wow!!… incredible… constantly had me on the edge of my seat. Read it within a day.’ itsa.bookstory, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Absolutely raced through this book! Full of twists and turns that had me on edge of my seat!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Kept me on the end of my seat… I did not see those twists coming!’ Goodreads reviewer

‘I loved everything… kept me gripped throughout… fantastic&hel

Genres: Thriller

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2025

About the author

Elisabeth (Libby) Carpenter won a Northern Writers New Fiction Award (2016) and was longlisted for Yeovil Literary Prize (2015 & 2016) and MsLexia Women’s Novel award (2015).

Elisabeth lives in Preston, Lancashire with her family. She loves the north of England, setting most of her stories in the area – including the novel she is writing at the moment.

99 Red Balloons was Elisabeth’s debut novel.

Reviews

[kendall · Rating 1 out of 5]

The only scary thing about this book was the lack of actual plot. So much happened and yet nothing of consequence came up.

The constant out of order flash back, the amount if time it took for them to communicate developments, and the loose ends that were never tied up made it almost impossible to feel satisfied by the time the final reveal came to pass.

There were entirely too many characters and random plot points that served no purpose other than to seemly delay the end of the book.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

[Craig and Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big thanks to Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The First Husband is a slow burn melodrama with an unfortunate saggy middle and a somewhat disappointing ending.
Callum, Leah first husband has disappeared many years ago and has now been declared officially dead.
Leah and Matt are travelling to his parent’s cottage with their three year old son, Noah.
Where they will be finally married after the tragic past.
While celebrating with her brother, his girlfriend and her father a note appears at the door.
The note is from Callum…… hasn’t he just be announced deceased??
The premise came across interesting but the plot was jagged and the flashbacks had a lot of unnecessary words and repetition.
There’s a few loose storylines that don’t make sense and are, or not explained properly or totally irrelevant.
Good luck to those who choose to read and I hope you enjoy it more than I did.

[Curt Dunnam · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The First Husband" by Elisabeth Carpenter is an enjoyable 4-star read! Leah returns to the house where her first husband, Callum, disappeared to prepare for her wedding to his former best friend, Matt. Nothing could possibly go wrong with a setup like that.

The story unfolds through two primary timelines: the present ("Now"), beginning two days before the wedding, and eight years ago, starting 32 hours before Callum’s disappearance. Flashbacks in the present-day chapters provide insight into Leah’s relationship with Callum. While the back-and-forth structure leads to some repetition, certain plot elements were introduced but never fully explored. However, the final twist caught me off guard—I wasn’t expecting that one!

Thanks to Bookouture, Elisabeth Carpenter, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one kept me guessing the entire time. When a couple is getting married and mysterious notes show up from the first husband who is presumed dead threaten more than a new marriage.

[Juliana Barnum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright, so this book had me hooked right from the jump! It was my first Elisabeth Carpenter book and let me tell you something… She knows how to spin a story and keep you locked in from the start. I’ll admit, the middle got a little messy and had me like, “Wait, what’s going on?” But don’t worry, by the end, it all makes sense. The plot was good, and I’m all about those wild, crazy-husband vibes. lol So yeah… I enjoyed it!!

3.25

[Ashley Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The First Husband by Elisabeth Carpenter is a suspenseful and intense novel where there are twists and turns and secrets. Leah is getting married for the second time. Matt has been Leah's friend for years but he is also her first husband's best friend. Her first husband Callum disappeared 8 years ago and has recently been declared dead. Now, in the same house where Callum had mysteriously disappeared, there is a constant reminder of him. And also a reminder of all the secrets there are to hide. When the note first arrives claiming to be from Callum, Leah tries to brush it off as a cruel prank. But when her and Matt's little boy is threatened in the next note Leah knows she must revisit that night 8 years ago to find out what really happened. Definitely a twisty read! I especially liked the tension of being in the same location as before and with a dual timeline you get to piece what really happened together to create a great ending. My first read by Carpenter but definitely not my last.
Thank you to NetGalley, Elisabeth Carpenter, and Bookouture for this ARC. Expected release day is February 4th 2025.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy stories where the past is interwoven with the present a lot and this is this kind of book. I always love to go back in time with the characters in order to unravel the things they have to deal with in the now.

I immediately felt for the leading lady and was happy to see how her life evolved from sadness to happiness. I felt like she deserved it so much to be happy again. She truly did, didn't she?

I liked the intrigues and I had the impression I, for once, had found the same wavelength the author did. Was I right in believing this or was i fooled for the umpteenth time? 

I am happy to say I indeed surfed on the same wave, but I did not quite reach the beach. I had a little surprise on the way there. ;)

A great story. I had a whale of a time reading it. 5 stars

Thank you

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red flags jumped out at me immediately.
Why would you get married at the very same place where your first husband d disappeared?
Four people who had been couples and who had an intertwined history with each other.
I knew some people had to be liars but the question was who and why.
The ending was very satisfying to me and I totally agree with what one character did because the recipient deserved it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance read.

[Mardelis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely enjoyed the writing style and I overall enjoyed this book. The ending was a bit disappointing. I would have preferred that the reveal of the writer of the notes was more detailed and didn’t end so quick.

Thank you NetGalley!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

This was quite a thrilling read. It’s been a minute since a stories has had me on the edge of my seat. I loved this plot was actually a surprise.
This was the first time I wasn’t trying to guess the plot. I just really enjoyed it. I haven’t read anything by this author before. I’m definitely going to check out her other books.


My only feedback would be that the writing didn’t flow organically at times. Mainly at the beginning. It was very written out.

Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read and review.

[Nethanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

She’s getting married again with her deceased husband’s best friend. All the people who were involved are present to celebrate the wedding. Until strange things are happening and secrets are revealed.
Interesting story that kept me entertained till the end.

Thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the chance to read and review. This opinion is my own.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book definitely dragged. I predicted the ending, but there was a little twist.

[Melissa A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kept me turning the pages but the ending was too quick ! I would have expected more twist and turns after figuring out who did it :/

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought he was dead...I thought I was safe...was I wrong...?

I have loved every book I've devoured by Elisabeth Carpenter so I jumped at the chance of reading this one too. I was hooked from the first page though its pace was somewhat slower and I tried to unscramble the pieces of the puzzle put before me. By the tale's end, I felt a little deflated but happy still that everything was tied up satisfactorily.

After two decades of friendship, Leah and Matt are getting married. They already have a son together, three year old Noah, and it seemed only natural that they should make their union official. But this is not Leah's first rodeo.

Eight years ago, she was married to Matt's best friend Callum when he disappeared from her birthday weekend at the very same cottage they are now to be married in. It was thought he had drowned in Lake Windemere, just a stone's throw away from the cottage that Matt's parents owned and insisted they marry there. It's strange being back in the place where Callum mysteriously disappeared from all those years ago it's almost creepy. It serves as a constant reminder of that fateful weekend that Leah can't quite escape. But she's determined that nothing and no one will stop her from marrying Matt.

When the card arrives depicting a black heart and claiming to be from Callum, Leah is shocked, frightened and then passes it off as a cruel prank. Then each of the group who were there eight years before all get the same text threatening to reveal what they know about Callum's disappearance, also claiming to be from Callum. But it's not until a note is delivered the day before their wedding threatening little Noah that Leah and Matt realise they must revisit that night eight years ago to unravel what really happened if they are to keep their little boy safe.

But it seems the rest of the weekend is not without its problems. The caterers have not turned up and cannot be contacted and there are highly salacious text messages that throw the proverbial cat amongst the pigeons. Leah now wishes she and Matt had eloped in a registry office. Being back at the cottage and the lake was a bad idea.

The story unfolds through the past and the present - from the days and hours leading up to Callum's disappearance and the days and hours leading up to Leah and Matt's wedding. Being set in the same location for both adds an air of eeriness with the black waters of Lake Windemere also adding a chilling effect.

I did find it difficult that Leah and Matt would marry in the same place from which Callum disappeared and the reasoning didn't really suffice in my opinion. I certainly wouldn't want to relive a most terrifying event on what is meant to be a happy occasion. And then there was Callum's sudden change in personality. It wasn't sufficiently explained, I felt. I didn't really understand why in the end because while he wasn't really completely likeable anyway, his personality seemed to change dramatically that weekend and no real explanation was given.

However, the story was riveting with a steady pace throughout that kept me turning the pages with each twist building intrigue and suspense with each turn. It was an emotional and unsettling tale with creepy undertones, a reflection of the hidden depths of Windemere's black waters.

A gripping read overall with complex emotions that was entirely entertaining.

I would like to thank #ElisabethCarpenter, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheFirstHusband in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leah and Matt along with their 3-year-old son, Noah are heading to his parents’ vacation place, Lakeside Cottage. There, they will finally be married. Leah and Matt have been friends for many years when they first met in college. Leah eventually married his friend, Callum. But he disappeared 8 years ago when they were celebrating Leah’s birthday and it’s believed that he drowned in the lake at the vacation home. However, his body was never found and he was eventually declared dead.

The couple will meet up with Leah’s brother, Jake and his wife Katherine. In addition, Leah’s father will be there along with Matt’s parents.

When they get there, the friends start drinking. But a card is found outside the door and it’s signed from Callum saying he will them at the wedding. What is happening? Could he be alive?

This book was a headache. It’s tedious and repetitious. I was wondering how much of what was happening was due to the copious amount of alcohol being consumed by the characters. I stuck with it though hoping I would prove myself wrong and find that the story had some redeeming features. I’m sorry but this was rather a mess all the way through.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Leah and Matt along with their 3-year-old son, Noah are heading to his parents’ vacation place, Lakeside Cottage. There, they will finally be married. Leah and Matt have been friends for many years when they first met in college. Leah eventually married his friend, Callum. But he disappeared 8 years ago when they were celebrating Leah’s birthday and it’s believed that he drowned in the lake at the vacation home. However, his body was never found and he was eventually declared dead.

The couple will meet up with Leah’s brother, Jake and his wife Katherine. In addition, Leah’s father will be there along with Matt’s parents.

When they get there, the friends start drinking. But a card is found outside the door and it’s signed from Callum saying he will them at the wedding. What is happening? Could he be alive?

This book was a headache. It’s tedious and repetitious. I was wondering how much of what was happening was due to the copious amount of alcohol being consumed by the characters. I stuck with it though hoping I would prove myself wrong and find that the story had some redeeming features. I’m sorry but this was rather a mess all the way through.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Bianca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book from Netgallery.

Summary:
“Callum was my first husband. He disappeared eight years ago, leaving only secrets and pain behind. He’s dead. In two days’ time, I’m getting married again. Then a card comes through the letterbox:
Two days to go. I can’t wait to see you. I’ve missed you so much. All my love, Callum”

Conclusion:
I have often read books in which the future and the past are mixed up. This book sometimes confused me by jumping back and forward into time. I mixed up people or backgrounds. Maybe also because a lot of background information is given that does not contribute to the story.

A number of things could have been worked out better, for example:
- The 2 ladies from the catering, there is ultimately 1 small thing that’s explaining something and then it is over. However, I did not find the reason credible.
- The accomplice of the perpetrator is eventually revealed, but how that ends is not described. It is just a statement.
- The last chapter could also have been explained a bit better, it is finished in 3.5 pages and 1.5 page is a repetition of what you read earlier.

I didn’t like that the time counts down to the moment that Callum disappears. When you’re there you skip to after the time he disappeared. So, you still don't know what happened. At the end of the book you go back to before the disappearance, you read the same thing as what you read before and suddenly the story continues.

I found it surprising that the main characters were honest about the threats they received. Normally people keep that to themselves and you get uncomfortable situations. Now they helped each other. That was nice. And at some parts I thought the book became really exciting.

Give the book a chance, you might like it.

Thank you very much for letting me read this book.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a decent read that was definitely creepy at times. It centers on Leah, whose first husband Callum disappeared 8 years ago. She is now marrying his best friend, Matt, who is also a long-time friend of hers. In the days leading up tot the wedding, creepy things start to happen and Leah isn't sure who she can trust. The story jumps back and forth from the current time to when Callum disappeared, with many of the same characters in both narratives.

First off, I thought it was insane and entirely unrealistic that Leah and Matt would choose to get married at the cabin where disaster occurred 8 years ago. I couldn't get past why anyone would have agreed to that. Putting that aside, I liked the dual timeframes and thought that the dynamics between the characters was good; it was hard to know who to trust, and that is how I like it! The back and forth timeline worked, though I didn't think the author spent quite enough time helping the reader understand what Callum was like in the flashback chapters. The ending was extremely abrupt, taking only a few pages, which was a little off-putting after the slow build to get up to it. There were also some questions left unanswered, where it felt like the author was either just trying to create red herrings or leaving the reader to their own devices to connect the dots.

Overall, it was a fun read and I enjoyed trying to solve the mystery along with Leah. There are some things that could have been done differently to increase my enjoyment even more, but I felt like it was a solid 3.5 star read. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leah's first husband Callum disappeared 8 years ago and he has just been declared officially dead. This allows her to move on and marry new love Matt. But the imminent wedding is threatened by a series of unpleasant events and notes...
The First Husband is a psychological thriller set in th UK. The plot is delivered from two timelines: the countdown to the wedding in the present day, and the lead up to Callum's disappearance 8 years ago.
Leah is finally ready to put the past behind her even though she is haunted by not knowing what really happened to her first husband. Callum vanished during a weekend away with friends and family for Leah's birthday. He is not a nice guy and it must have been a relief when he went!
The past timeline reveals mysteries that could explain Callum's disappearance and now the wedding is being held at the same location (why would she agree to this?!) Leah fears that Callum didn't die as everyone believed and is intent on stopping the wedding.
I enjoyed the mystery and revelation of secrets although I would have preferred a quicker pace. Leah's situation does elicit sympathy but I wished she had more gumption to tackle the situations in the past and present. I felt that the ending was quite abrupt and didn't offer as much explanation as I'd anticipated so I was left with some questions.
The First Husband is an enjoyable psychological thriller with a well sustained mystery.

[TheLisaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elisabeth Carpenter’s The First Husband is a masterclass in suspense and mystery, weaving a story full of twists that keep readers guessing until the very end. From the outset, the book hooks you with a tantalizing premise: Leah, preparing for her second wedding to Matt—her first husband’s best friend—finds herself revisiting a past shrouded in unanswered questions and unresolved tension.

Carpenter’s pacing is exceptional, with each twist meticulously placed to build intrigue and heighten the suspense. The setting, returning to the very place Leah’s first husband mysteriously disappeared, adds an atmospheric layer that enhances the tension. It’s a constant reminder of the secrets lurking beneath the surface, making the story feel both intimate and unsettling.

Leah is a deeply relatable and well-drawn protagonist, navigating a complex mix of emotions as she balances her present happiness with Matt and the haunting uncertainties of her past. The narrative’s emotional depth is matched by its sharp plotting, creating a story that is as engaging emotionally as it is thrilling.

The First Husband is a gripping page-turner, perfect for fans of domestic thrillers and mysteries that deliver one jaw-dropping revelation after another. Elisabeth Carpenter expertly blends suspense, drama, and human vulnerability, making this novel an unforgettable read.

[Amanda Corrigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one totally pulled me in. Leah’s about to marry her lovely, steady fiancé Matt… and then out of nowhere, she gets a letter from Callum — her first husband, who’s been missing for eight years and is legally dead. Like, actually dead. Or so we thought.

At first I was like, yep, he’s alive — this is going to be messy. But then halfway through I changed my mind and decided he was definitely dead and someone else was behind it all. I had no idea what was going on, in the best way.

And seriously, I started suspecting everyone.
Katherine, her best friend? Way too conveniently around for all the weird moments.
Callum’s mum showing up with the whole “sweet forgetful old lady” act — I didn’t trust it for a second.
And I even side-eyed Leah’s dad at one point, just for existing. That’s how suspicious I got.

I loved the back and forth between the present and eight years ago when Callum disappeared. It gave me just enough to keep second-guessing everything.

The pacing was great — it kept moving, didn’t drag, and the twists were solid. The ending wrapped up a bit neater than I expected, but honestly I didn’t mind. I flew through it. Coffee went cold. Didn’t care.

Definitely recommend if you want a quick, twisty read that keeps you guessing. And if you like yelling “trust no one!” in your head the whole time — this is for you. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars

[Nicola Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off well with a really sinister atmosphere and interesting backdrop. The characters were meeting for the wedding of Leah and Matt, to be held at the same place where Leah's first husband Callum, who was was also Matt's best friend, disappeared 8 years earlier. The story progresses with flashbacks to the days and hours before Callum disappeared and that worked well, moving between the past and the present. Then things start happening which suggest all is not as it seems and we find out about all of the interlinking relationships between Callum and the others.
I found it difficult to believe that the couple would want to get married in that place due to what had happened there, and the reasons given for that didn't work for me. The little twists within that added interest, but I think we needed more background to why Callum changed and became such a different person from the one that Leah married. I think that would have helped me to feel more empathy with Leah and Matt.
The most interesting part of the book for me was how easily Leah began to suspect all of those closest to her, although again that seemed to happen out of nowhere with no background. So sadly, I felt like there were many gaps in the book.
Thanks NetGalley

[KDRBCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Husband by E. Carpenter, published by Bookouture, is a full length, stand alone, gripping thriller of its finest.
Masterfully crafted, this book gives all the feels, a raw and gritty, twisty till the last page. 5 stars.
Blurb: In two days’ time, I’m getting married again. It’s bittersweet, after everything that happened. But when I look at my cheeky son and his loving, handsome father, I know I’m doing the right thing in moving on.
Then a card comes.
Two days to go. I can’t wait to see you. I’ve missed you so much. All my love, Callum.
Callum was my first husband. He disappeared eight years ago, leaving only secrets and pain behind. He’s dead.
But as my friends and family gather for my big day – all the same people who were there the night Callum vanished – my fear grows. Things go horribly wrong with the wedding plans. And then an anonymous note threatens my son.
Is someone playing a cruel joke, or is Callum really back? I have two days to find out who’s doing this to me… and learn the truth about what happened all those years ago.
Because I will do anything to protect my son.

[Victoria Baldin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Husband by Elisabeth Carpenter

Eight years ago, Leah and her husband, Callum were on a holiday weekend away for her thirtieth birthday with their friends; Tania, Jake, Katherine, and Matt who is Callum’s best friend. That weekend ended in a nightmare as Callum walked out of the holiday house angry and drunk, his body was never found.

Now they are all back in the same place for Leah and Matt’s wedding. Leah and Matt have a three-year-old son, Noah. They all arrive on Friday plenty of time to prepare for the Sunday wedding. As the weekend progresses many strange things start to happen… one creepier then the next. Is someone out there playing a sick joke? Or is Callum still alive?

This book is told in two timelines: Now and eight years ago when Callum went missing.

I was hooked from the very first chapter and could not wait to find out who was responsible for all the "jokes". This book was fast paced, and I loved the ending. I love Elisabeth Carpenter books they are all edge on your seat thrillers.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for a copy of this for a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review.

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, what a fantastic read! This book truly had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I absolutely loved it—every twist and turn kept me guessing right until that thrilling final page!

"The First St Husband" by Elisabeth Carpenter is a gripping and suspenseful read that keeps you on the edge of your seat with its unexpected twists and deep-seated secrets. Leah is poised to walk down the aisle for the second time, but the shadows of her past loom large. Her best friend is none other than Matt, who also happens to be the best friend of her first husband, Callum. After disappearing under mysterious circumstances eight years ago, Callum has recently been declared dead, yet the house where he vanished still resonates with haunting reminders.

I loved the palpable tension that arises from being back in the same location, combined with a dual timeline that intricately pieces together the mystery. The suspense builds beautifully to a satisfying climax that leaves you breathless. This was my first experience with Elisabeth Carpenter’s writing, but it certainly won’t be my last!

A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley, Elisabeth Carpenter, and Bookouture for providing this ARC.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leah arrives at a holiday house by a lake ready for her upcoming wedding in a couple of days time. Later on she receives a card from Callum, her first husband who went missing and was presumed dead years ago. Is someone trying to sabotage the wedding and does someone know more than they are letting on?

This is my first book by this author and it won’t be my last. I enjoyed the dual aspect part of this story, with the past timeframe building a solid backstory. The atmosphere was well created and felt creepy and intense at times. The pacing was fairly steady and flowed nicely, I was interested to see how it would all pan out. I enjoyed discovering all the secrets and there was a solid mystery to be solved.

The characters were developed well, however some of their actions were questionable and unbelievable. Even though there were no major twists, I enjoyed the turns to story took and the build up to the ending. This is a good book to pick up if you’re look for an easy to read, entertaining mystery. 3.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Bookouture for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

There were plenty of things about this book that gave me pause. First of all the premise of getting married in the same place where your husband disappeared years ago and was presumed dead. Then there was the way the MC reacted to the notes. Instead of going to the police right away, it almost seemed like she had to be convinced to go to the police. And even when the threats kept coming, she did not consider moving the wedding to a different location. The whole story arch with Jennie was so weird as well, and how no one seemed to mind her just inserting herself into an intimate family gathering. Which leads me to the next gripe. It was painfully predictable what was going to happen, which is the opposite of what you want to happen in a thriller.

However with that said, there were some redeeming qualities as well. There were several attempts at misdirection and the emotions the MC felt when her son went missing were truly heartfelt and painful to read in a good way. It was short enough to get through in a relatively fast pace and the pacing was good.

[Allyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leah is getting married to her fiancé Matt at his family’s summer home. She is a little leery of getting married there as her first husband, Callum, went missing there years before. Matt, Leah and Callum were all friends and after Callum’s disappearance and him having been declared dead, she fell in love with Matt. They have a three year old son together and are happy to be moving to the next step in their relationship.

Now it’s the weekend of her wedding and as she is celebrating with close friends and family, a note is slipped under the door, a note that looks like it is in Callum’s writing; but how could it be, it must be a cruel joke. As things start to get even more creepy, Leah starts to wonder if Callum really is dead or is planning to show up to her wedding.

This book was interesting right at the beginning, but part way through the story started to drag and not make sense. Overall, it kind of came together but I feel there were some answers that weren’t really addressed. It was an okay read.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read to an ARC of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

[Michele Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leah and Matt are getting married at a house at the lake that his family owns. Oddly enough, eight years ago they were there with a group of friends and Leah's husband (at that time) who is also Matt's best friend. Leah's husband, Callum, disappears out of what seems like thin air. Why not go back, right?
This story takes place between the present and eight years ago, which I loved. I feel like it really helped to develop the characters personalities and gives the story a little more depth. The female main character, Leah was very likable. The only thing I didn't like about her was that she fell for this Callum guy to begin with. He seems like he was very charming and everyone loved him. I don't know if I missed that parts where he won people over because all the interactions with him made him seem like an arrogant narcissist. Definitely made me loathe the guy.
A good story, and I will be reading more by this author.
Thanks to NegGalley and Bookouture for a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review.

[Anke · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE FIRST HUSBAND by Elisabeth Carpenter is a highly recommended psychological thriller, offering a unique blend of suspense and emotional depth that sets it apart from other books in the genre!

Leah is happy to get married to Matt. The location of the wedding is the same where her first husband and Matt’s best friend, Callum, drowned 8 years ago while celebrating her birthday. Today, on her wedding day, she receives a card from Callum, and everybody who was there when Callum disappeared is also present today to celebrate her wedding. Who is sending her these notes? Is Callum dead?

The story is told with dual timelines, balancing Leah’s present happiness with Matt and the haunting uncertainties of her past. The book flows nicely; it is fast-paced and twisty, with palpable tension. And fear not, the ending is not just good, it's great, tying up all loose ends and leaving you with a sense of contentment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC. This book is my first one by Elisabeth Carpenter, but it will not be my last!

[LindyLouMac · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never come across this author before, even though 'The First Husband' is her eighth psychological thriller.

The main protagonists are Leah and Matt who are about to get married. The novel tells the story of the few days leading up to this event, in the present day sections. We are also taken back to the time eight years ago when Leah's first husband disappeared. The suspense builds because just before the wedding takes place strange things start to happen.

A very quick and agreeable read but not particularly stimulating. As a fan of psychological thrillers I personally found it lacked depth, but is probably a good introduction to newcomers to the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read and review.

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