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The Husband Before You: A completely unputdownable psychological thriller with a heart-pounding twist
I thought my first husband died ten years ago. But now he’s back…
Opening the front door, I’m stunned to see a familiar face. I never thought I’d see Freddie’s deep brown eyes and crooked smile again. But how is this possible when he died ten years ago…?
It took years to move on, but finally my life is almost perfect. I live in a gorgeous house with my handsome second husband Carter, my two daughters and our adorable baby boy. I’ve never stopped missing Freddie or wondering what happened to him. But now he’s here and staring right at me – and my head is spinning with questions.
Then Freddie says, ‘Don’t trust Carter.’ It sends shivers down my spine. Freddie and Carter used to be best friends. So what does he mean? Carter has been my shoulder to cry on, my rock. He’s helped me through the darkest times. I trust him with my life… don’t I?
Who is telling the truth: my first husband or my second husband? And could one of them be behind the threatening notes I’ve been receiving?
I have to make the right choice. My life depends on it…
An absolutely addictive page-turner with heart-pounding twists from beginning to end. Fans of The Woman in the Window, Shari Lapena, Lisa Jewell and The Housemaid won’t be able toput this down!
Opening the front door, I’m stunned to see a familiar face. I never thought I’d see Freddie’s deep brown eyes and crooked smile again. But how is this possible when he died ten years ago…?
It took years to move on, but finally my life is almost perfect. I live in a gorgeous house with my handsome second husband Carter, my two daughters and our adorable baby boy. I’ve never stopped missing Freddie or wondering what happened to him. But now he’s here and staring right at me – and my head is spinning with questions.
Then Freddie says, ‘Don’t trust Carter.’ It sends shivers down my spine. Freddie and Carter used to be best friends. So what does he mean? Carter has been my shoulder to cry on, my rock. He’s helped me through the darkest times. I trust him with my life… don’t I?
Who is telling the truth: my first husband or my second husband? And could one of them be behind the threatening notes I’ve been receiving?
I have to make the right choice. My life depends on it…
An absolutely addictive page-turner with heart-pounding twists from beginning to end. Fans of The Woman in the Window, Shari Lapena, Lisa Jewell and The Housemaid won’t be able toput this down!
342 pages, Paperback
Published March 28, 2025
713 people are currently reading
1116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
March 9, 2025
Alex thought her FIRST husband, Freddie, died ten years ago, after he walked out one night and never came home. So, after seven years she had him declared dead. So obviously, she was shocked when she opened her front door one day and saw his once familiar face.
Where has he been? And, why is he back now that she has finally moved on?
“DON’T TRUST CARTER” he says speaking about his former best friend- who is now her SECOND husband.
“I KNOW THE TRUTH” one of the eight anonymous notes, slipped through the mailbox reads…
Who should she trust? Her first husband or her second husband? And WHO is behind the cryptic notes that she has been receiving?
🍿 This sounded like a juicy little popcorn thriller, so, I since I have enjoyed the author’s last two books, “Everyone has Secrets” and, (especially) “The Photo”, I quickly requested it.
It ended up being my least favorite of the three, because I found this one to be very predictable, and the reason for Freddie’s absence was weak.
With that being said though, I have read A LOT of psychological thrillers, and I do think that readers who only choose this genre occasionally, will find it more surprising, and therefore more entertaining.
AVAILABLE April 1, 2025
Thank You to the wonderful Bookouture for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
Where has he been? And, why is he back now that she has finally moved on?
“DON’T TRUST CARTER” he says speaking about his former best friend- who is now her SECOND husband.
“I KNOW THE TRUTH” one of the eight anonymous notes, slipped through the mailbox reads…
Who should she trust? Her first husband or her second husband? And WHO is behind the cryptic notes that she has been receiving?
🍿 This sounded like a juicy little popcorn thriller, so, I since I have enjoyed the author’s last two books, “Everyone has Secrets” and, (especially) “The Photo”, I quickly requested it.
It ended up being my least favorite of the three, because I found this one to be very predictable, and the reason for Freddie’s absence was weak.
With that being said though, I have read A LOT of psychological thrillers, and I do think that readers who only choose this genre occasionally, will find it more surprising, and therefore more entertaining.
AVAILABLE April 1, 2025
Thank You to the wonderful Bookouture for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
March 12, 2025
AJ McDine never fails to keep me guessing with her fast paced and fun thrillers. I struggled to put this book down, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger. Full of surprising twists and turns right until the very end.
Alex is finally happy again. It has been 10 years since her first husband Freddie went out one night and never came back, leaving her with 2 young daughters to care for, now she is remarried and has a new baby son. And then she answers the door and sees Freddie standing there. What the??? Where has he been all the time and why did he leave in the first place? crazy right. It gets better but I don’t want to spoil anything. You have to grab this book and settle in for a binge read.
Thanks so much to AJ McDine and Bookouture for my early copy to read. Publishes on April 1st.
Alex is finally happy again. It has been 10 years since her first husband Freddie went out one night and never came back, leaving her with 2 young daughters to care for, now she is remarried and has a new baby son. And then she answers the door and sees Freddie standing there. What the??? Where has he been all the time and why did he leave in the first place? crazy right. It gets better but I don’t want to spoil anything. You have to grab this book and settle in for a binge read.
Thanks so much to AJ McDine and Bookouture for my early copy to read. Publishes on April 1st.
April 14, 2025
Nobody bats 1000%.
This is my first 2-star review for talented author AJ McDine.
The book's storyline was unbelievable and predictable, with repetitious text.
(Not a good combo!)
The female protagonist was pathetically ignorant.
I listened to the 9-hour audiobook that easily could have been a 6-hour book.
The narration, however, was 10-star.
Tamsin Kennard and George Weightman never disappoint.
2 stars, rounded up.
March 25, 2025
I started this book on Sunday, and I was so hooked that I couldn’t put it down – I ended up finishing it on Monday, simply because I needed to sleep to go to work! Let me tell you, this book absolutely lives up to its "unputdownable" promise. From the very first page, I was completely absorbed. The plot is so gripping and addictive, and while I did manage to predict the ending (50%), the journey itself was so compelling that I couldn’t stop reading.
This book dives deep into some compelling themes, touching on postpartum depression, general depression, the complexities of friendships, the rollercoaster of motherhood, the ups and downs of spousal relationships, and the myth of the "picture-perfect" family.
What really sets this book apart is its pacing. It moves at lightning speed, and the chapters are short, which creates this irresistible urge to keep turning the pages. Every chapter ends with just enough of a cliffhanger to make you need to know what happens next – I found myself staying up late, not willing to stop until I knew more.
And oh, the twists and surprises! There are moments that completely take you by surprise, throwing you off balance in the best possible way. If you're in need of a thrilling read that will have you hooked from the get-go, this is it. It’s an emotional rollercoaster you won’t want to get off of. I highly, highly recommend it!
This book dives deep into some compelling themes, touching on postpartum depression, general depression, the complexities of friendships, the rollercoaster of motherhood, the ups and downs of spousal relationships, and the myth of the "picture-perfect" family.
What really sets this book apart is its pacing. It moves at lightning speed, and the chapters are short, which creates this irresistible urge to keep turning the pages. Every chapter ends with just enough of a cliffhanger to make you need to know what happens next – I found myself staying up late, not willing to stop until I knew more.
And oh, the twists and surprises! There are moments that completely take you by surprise, throwing you off balance in the best possible way. If you're in need of a thrilling read that will have you hooked from the get-go, this is it. It’s an emotional rollercoaster you won’t want to get off of. I highly, highly recommend it!
May 3, 2025
Very predictable and the storyline wasn’t brilliant
March 20, 2025
Imagine your first husband leaving and never coming back. You presume he’s dead and you remarry. Well then your first husband shows back up after 10 years. This kept me glued to the pages and I enjoyed this book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
March 10, 2025
THE HUSBAND BEFORE YOU BY A J MCDINE.
Release date set for the 1st of April 2025.
This is my second book by this author. The first one being EVERYONE HAS SECRETS which I highly recommend.
This book is yet again another great book, full of twist and turns.
I'm reading away thinking I know for a fact where its going to go but nope I was wrong.
Really fast read for me and another book I highly recommend
Release date set for the 1st of April 2025.
This is my second book by this author. The first one being EVERYONE HAS SECRETS which I highly recommend.
This book is yet again another great book, full of twist and turns.
I'm reading away thinking I know for a fact where its going to go but nope I was wrong.
Really fast read for me and another book I highly recommend
April 28, 2025
Big thanks to Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Husband Before You is the newest psychological thriller by favoured author A.J. McDine.
It’s fast paced, suspicious, engaging and very compelling.
Alex and her second husband Carter and their children live an ordinary life in the ‘burbs.
Ten years before her first husband Freddie walked out and mysteriously disappeared.
He was declared dead, Alex moved on and is finally happy again.
One day there’s a knock at the door and Freddie has reappeared.
Alex is in shock and cannot believe her eyes.
Where has he been and what has he being doing all this time…….
A kind of mystery with components of emotion, thriller and domestic drama.
I did work out the twist but it didn’t change my enjoyable reading adventure.
Worth a read and comes highly recommended.
The Husband Before You is the newest psychological thriller by favoured author A.J. McDine.
It’s fast paced, suspicious, engaging and very compelling.
Alex and her second husband Carter and their children live an ordinary life in the ‘burbs.
Ten years before her first husband Freddie walked out and mysteriously disappeared.
He was declared dead, Alex moved on and is finally happy again.
One day there’s a knock at the door and Freddie has reappeared.
Alex is in shock and cannot believe her eyes.
Where has he been and what has he being doing all this time…….
A kind of mystery with components of emotion, thriller and domestic drama.
I did work out the twist but it didn’t change my enjoyable reading adventure.
Worth a read and comes highly recommended.
March 17, 2025
10 years ago, Alex’s husband, Freddie, disappeared without a trace. As she is about to celebrate her anniversary with her new husband, Carter (Freddie’s friend), Freddie shows up at the door.
The book explores the time leading up to his disappearance and now, alternating between past and present. While the premise of the book was good, I felt it was very predictable. When reading a book like this, I like to be surprised and hit with wow moments and I didn’t feel like this book delivered that. It wasn’t a bad book, just not one that had me frantically flipping the pages to find out the next details.
Thank you Net Galley and publisher for the advanced eARC copy of this book.
The book explores the time leading up to his disappearance and now, alternating between past and present. While the premise of the book was good, I felt it was very predictable. When reading a book like this, I like to be surprised and hit with wow moments and I didn’t feel like this book delivered that. It wasn’t a bad book, just not one that had me frantically flipping the pages to find out the next details.
Thank you Net Galley and publisher for the advanced eARC copy of this book.
March 16, 2025
This is my third book by A J McDine and I really enjoyed the first two I read so I was very excited to receive an advanced copy of this book.
The premise of this book had me hooked from the start. Alex's husband disappeared and she gets married to his best friend many years later, however one day her first husband turns up on the doorstep.
This was an easy read, I read it across a couple of sittings and was pretty invested in the characters and the story wanting to see how it all plays out. I did find it slightly too predictable, the biggest twist I had been waiting to happen for half the book so that was slightly disappointing. But all in all I really enjoyed the story, not my favourite by the author but still a great read and I would definitely recommend. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this book had me hooked from the start. Alex's husband disappeared and she gets married to his best friend many years later, however one day her first husband turns up on the doorstep.
This was an easy read, I read it across a couple of sittings and was pretty invested in the characters and the story wanting to see how it all plays out. I did find it slightly too predictable, the biggest twist I had been waiting to happen for half the book so that was slightly disappointing. But all in all I really enjoyed the story, not my favourite by the author but still a great read and I would definitely recommend. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2025
How would you feel if you open your front door and come face to face with the husband you thought was dead for 10 years ? Well this turns into a reality for Alex who has moved on and remarried her exes best friend.
I loved the fact that you jumped into the main plot straight away. The flashbacks are also good and not confusing. It's nice to see from Freddie's POV. This book is fast paced and full of suspense. Some of the flashbacks do feel a little pointless and filler but it doesn't take away from the book. Overall I enjoyed this book and will look forward to reading other books from A.J ! I'd rate it a 3.5 🌟
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for access to this ARC
I loved the fact that you jumped into the main plot straight away. The flashbacks are also good and not confusing. It's nice to see from Freddie's POV. This book is fast paced and full of suspense. Some of the flashbacks do feel a little pointless and filler but it doesn't take away from the book. Overall I enjoyed this book and will look forward to reading other books from A.J ! I'd rate it a 3.5 🌟
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for access to this ARC
March 6, 2025
Another brilliant book from this author which kept me involved in the storyline all the way
The characters were well described with a great ending that I didn't expect
I have no hesitation in the this book.
The characters were well described with a great ending that I didn't expect
I have no hesitation in the this book.
April 27, 2025
This was my first ARC read, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to delve into “The Husband Before You” by A.J. McDine.
The premise is undeniably gripping: Alex’s first husband, Freddie, vanished a decade ago, presumed dead. She’s since rebuilt her life, marrying Carter, Freddie’s best friend. The sudden reappearance of Freddie throws her world into turmoil, especially when he warns her not to trust Carter.
I appreciated the dual perspectives of Alex and Freddie, which added depth to the narrative and provided insight into their complex emotions. The suspense was palpable, with layers of jealousy and mistrust that kept me engaged.
However, I found that certain chapters felt drawn-out, slowing the pacing and diluting the tension. While the story had its twists, some were predictable, and I wished for more unexpected turns to keep me on edge.
Overall, it’s a decent psychological thriller that explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the complexities of past relationships and for that I gave this ARC read 3 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The premise is undeniably gripping: Alex’s first husband, Freddie, vanished a decade ago, presumed dead. She’s since rebuilt her life, marrying Carter, Freddie’s best friend. The sudden reappearance of Freddie throws her world into turmoil, especially when he warns her not to trust Carter.
I appreciated the dual perspectives of Alex and Freddie, which added depth to the narrative and provided insight into their complex emotions. The suspense was palpable, with layers of jealousy and mistrust that kept me engaged.
However, I found that certain chapters felt drawn-out, slowing the pacing and diluting the tension. While the story had its twists, some were predictable, and I wished for more unexpected turns to keep me on edge.
Overall, it’s a decent psychological thriller that explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the complexities of past relationships and for that I gave this ARC read 3 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2025
“The Husband Before You" by A.J. McDine is an engrossing 5-star read! Alex was abandoned by her first husband, Freddie, 10 years ago when he suddenly walked out on her and their children. Seven years later, he was declared dead, allowing Alex to marry Carter—Freddie’s best friend since college and former colleague at the same hospital. But when Freddie unexpectedly reappears at her doorstep, everything spirals out of control.
The story is told from the perspectives of both Alex and Freddie, shifting between the present and the past—spanning 10 or even 20 years back. The author masterfully weaves these timelines together, revealing the intricate connections between the four main characters. There are a few small twists along the way, but the real surprises come at the end!
Having read a couple of A.J. McDine’s other books and enjoyed them, I’m excited to see what she comes up with next!
Thanks to Bookouture, A. J. McDine, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.
The story is told from the perspectives of both Alex and Freddie, shifting between the present and the past—spanning 10 or even 20 years back. The author masterfully weaves these timelines together, revealing the intricate connections between the four main characters. There are a few small twists along the way, but the real surprises come at the end!
Having read a couple of A.J. McDine’s other books and enjoyed them, I’m excited to see what she comes up with next!
Thanks to Bookouture, A. J. McDine, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.
May 22, 2025
Alex is married to Freddie, a doctor. They have two children. She is suffering from postpartum depression and he is suffering from burnout and making a poor decision concerning a patient. He decides to walk out on Alex and his family without a word. Ten years later he shows up on her doorstep. She has remarried his former best friend, Carter, with another child in their family. Who will she choose? Who has been sending her anonymous notes about the truth?
Enjoyable, but I didn't like any of the characters so none garnered my sympathy and I'd be surprised if any readers didn't figure out who the " culprit " was early on. 4 stars.
Enjoyable, but I didn't like any of the characters so none garnered my sympathy and I'd be surprised if any readers didn't figure out who the " culprit " was early on. 4 stars.
March 13, 2025
The story follows a woman who has rebuilt her life after the supposed death of her first husband, Freddie, ten years ago. Now, she has a loving second husband, Carter, and a happy family. But everything changes when Freddie suddenly appears at her doorstep, alive. His return is shocking enough, but when he warns her not to trust Carter, she is thrown into a whirlwind of doubt and fear.
Freddie and Carter were once best friends, so why would Freddie make such a claim? As she starts receiving mysterious threatening notes, she must figure out which man is lying her first husband, who has seemingly returned from the dead, or her second husband, whom she has trusted for years. Her life may depend on making the right choice.
It is not about the love triangle but a friendship between Alex and Gemma too. Who knows that out bestfriend will betrayed us and took what we have oneday?
Freddie and Carter were once best friends, so why would Freddie make such a claim? As she starts receiving mysterious threatening notes, she must figure out which man is lying her first husband, who has seemingly returned from the dead, or her second husband, whom she has trusted for years. Her life may depend on making the right choice.
It is not about the love triangle but a friendship between Alex and Gemma too. Who knows that out bestfriend will betrayed us and took what we have oneday?
April 7, 2025
I'm obsessed with this authors work. I've loved every single book I've been fortunate enough to read.
I guessed the person quite early on but it was enjoyable watching it all unfold to the end.
A brilliant must read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I guessed the person quite early on but it was enjoyable watching it all unfold to the end.
A brilliant must read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 7, 2025
If you guys are looking for a new psychological thriller to read I highly recommend The Husband before. It’s fantastic. I couldn’t put it down. Author AJ McDine is a new-to-me favourite author. I first discovered her in the fall when I read and reviewed her book, Everyone Has Secrets. It was fantastic and I knew I wanted to read AJ McDine’s back list. So when I was given another opportunity to read and review her upcoming book, The Other Husband, I couldn’t resist. It did not disappoint. An absolute page turner, that had me hooked from the opening sentence. I was on the edge of my seat biting my nails all the way through. Full of twists and turns and a rather shocking ending.
What would you do if your husband mysteriously disappeared, leaving you to care for your newborn baby and toddler alone? Well that’s exactly what happened to Alex. Her husband Freddie has been gone for 10 years, after mysteriously disappearing. But Alex had to move on and rebuild her life, for the sake of her and her children. After 7 years, Freddie was legally declared dead, and Alex remarried Carter, Freddie’s best friend 🫣😅. They even had a baby together. But on the evening of their 4 year dating anniversary, a random knock on their front door changes everything.
After 10 years Freddie suddenly reappears. He is bedraggled and unkempt, offering no explanation as to where he’s been for the last 10 years. But the one thing he does is to warn Alex not to trust Carter, her other husband. What should Alex do? Listen to her first love and first husband, who broke her heart and abandoned her 10 years earlier? Or trust and believe in her current, stable second husband Carter? Well you know I’m not going to give any spoilers so you’ll simply have to grab a copy of The Other Husband on April 1st, 2025.
Thank you so much author @ajmcdine for my advanced copy of The Other Husband. Such an engaging, fascinating read!
Pub Date: April 1st, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What would you do if your husband mysteriously disappeared, leaving you to care for your newborn baby and toddler alone? Well that’s exactly what happened to Alex. Her husband Freddie has been gone for 10 years, after mysteriously disappearing. But Alex had to move on and rebuild her life, for the sake of her and her children. After 7 years, Freddie was legally declared dead, and Alex remarried Carter, Freddie’s best friend 🫣😅. They even had a baby together. But on the evening of their 4 year dating anniversary, a random knock on their front door changes everything.
After 10 years Freddie suddenly reappears. He is bedraggled and unkempt, offering no explanation as to where he’s been for the last 10 years. But the one thing he does is to warn Alex not to trust Carter, her other husband. What should Alex do? Listen to her first love and first husband, who broke her heart and abandoned her 10 years earlier? Or trust and believe in her current, stable second husband Carter? Well you know I’m not going to give any spoilers so you’ll simply have to grab a copy of The Other Husband on April 1st, 2025.
Thank you so much author @ajmcdine for my advanced copy of The Other Husband. Such an engaging, fascinating read!
Pub Date: April 1st, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 12, 2025
4.5*
Have you ever seen a ghost? I haven’t and I think I might freak out if I ever did. Maybe a similar reaction to Alex’s when husband Freddie knocked on her front door when he’d disappeared 10 years previous and she’d had declared dead.
What ensued was addictive. It was one helluva ride!!!! Alex doesn’t know what the hell had happened of the past years and neither did I! I needed to know what had happened to Freddie to make him leave and where he’d been. I also wanted to know who was behind the unsettling notes Alex was getting. Was it someone who knew what had happened 10 years ago or was something else going on that Alex didn’t know about.
This is my first taster of McDine’s writing and boy was it a taster!! I was drip-fed nuggets of information to help me solve the puzzle. As the pieces slowly slotted into place, my reading pace picked up. I needed to see whether I was right with my suspicions, not just in the present but also in the past. Cracking read!
Have you ever seen a ghost? I haven’t and I think I might freak out if I ever did. Maybe a similar reaction to Alex’s when husband Freddie knocked on her front door when he’d disappeared 10 years previous and she’d had declared dead.
What ensued was addictive. It was one helluva ride!!!! Alex doesn’t know what the hell had happened of the past years and neither did I! I needed to know what had happened to Freddie to make him leave and where he’d been. I also wanted to know who was behind the unsettling notes Alex was getting. Was it someone who knew what had happened 10 years ago or was something else going on that Alex didn’t know about.
This is my first taster of McDine’s writing and boy was it a taster!! I was drip-fed nuggets of information to help me solve the puzzle. As the pieces slowly slotted into place, my reading pace picked up. I needed to see whether I was right with my suspicions, not just in the present but also in the past. Cracking read!
April 5, 2025
BOOKWORMS REVIEW:
It's that predicament where all in your life is now going so great that something comes along to screw it all up...times ten!
Alex thought her first husband Freddie died when he walked out one night and never came home. 10 years on,married to his best friend Carter,Alex and Carter have 3 kids and a wonderful life. She opens the door to Freddie on her doorstep! She is speechless,but he's warming her not to trust his ex best friend. Who does Alex believe...or old husband or her new one?
This kept me engaged although I did more or less guess the ending but that didn't dampen the read for me. Give it a go!
RATING: 🌟🌟🌟🌟(Rounded up)
With thanks to Bookouture NetGalley and @AJ McDine for an arc to read and review.
It's that predicament where all in your life is now going so great that something comes along to screw it all up...times ten!
Alex thought her first husband Freddie died when he walked out one night and never came home. 10 years on,married to his best friend Carter,Alex and Carter have 3 kids and a wonderful life. She opens the door to Freddie on her doorstep! She is speechless,but he's warming her not to trust his ex best friend. Who does Alex believe...or old husband or her new one?
This kept me engaged although I did more or less guess the ending but that didn't dampen the read for me. Give it a go!
RATING: 🌟🌟🌟🌟(Rounded up)
With thanks to Bookouture NetGalley and @AJ McDine for an arc to read and review.
March 29, 2025
Part of the appeal in reading books like this is trying to figure out what each character’s motive is and flushing out the fakes.
Alex has two husbands and three kids. I thought she was too lenient on Freddie. I would have demanded answers immediately upon his return.
I thought Freddie was very weak. You just don’t walk out of your life when the going gets tough especially when you have two kids!!
I underestimated Carter and I guessed Incorrectly about which husband Alex would choose.
I knew one character was rotten but the scene that had me scream was down by the river and Fleming.
It’s a good suspenseful read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance read.
Alex has two husbands and three kids. I thought she was too lenient on Freddie. I would have demanded answers immediately upon his return.
I thought Freddie was very weak. You just don’t walk out of your life when the going gets tough especially when you have two kids!!
I underestimated Carter and I guessed Incorrectly about which husband Alex would choose.
I knew one character was rotten but the scene that had me scream was down by the river and Fleming.
It’s a good suspenseful read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance read.
March 21, 2025
I always enjoy books by AJ McDine! This domestic thriller had my attention from chapter 1. From the very beginning, you don't know who to trust. Does husband #1 or husband #2 have the family's best interests in minds? Can either of them be trusted? Someone is sending anonymous messages (are they meant to be threatening or warnings?) and everyone seems to be harboring a secret.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 27, 2025
Totally far-fetched but entertaining when it gained some momentum, in the last 20% of the book.
There were no surprises for me here and certainly no twists that we all love in a psychological thriller.
2.5 rounded up to 3. It’s not a bad book. It’s just not real exciting either.
There were no surprises for me here and certainly no twists that we all love in a psychological thriller.
2.5 rounded up to 3. It’s not a bad book. It’s just not real exciting either.
November 2, 2025
This was a great read! The story kept me guessing until the very end! What a shocker it was as to who was behind everything. I liked the dual POV. I had to force myself to
put down the book so that I could go to bed.
put down the book so that I could go to bed.
March 23, 2025
Alex’s first husband has been missing for 10 years. On the night of Alex and her new husband’s anniversary, Freddie, the first husband reappears. Where has Freddie been? And why has he come back? And what is Alex going to do now that she has remarried to Freddie’s best friend, Carter?
Freddie told Alex, “Don’t trust Carter.” Who should she trust, her first husband or her second husband?
And who could be behind the mysterious notes that keep appearing in Alex’s mail slot saying that “the truth will come out?”
The premise of this book sounded great, and I was so excited to read it, but it fell short for me.
One of the first things that I found strange was when Freddie comes through the door, one of the first things that Alex did was to go and “cancel the cab” for the anniversary dinner. She wasn’t freaking out or emotional about Freddie’s return. If my husband all of a sudden reappeared after 10 years, I imagine that my reaction would be MUCH different than Alex’s.
Then they all just coexisted like a big dysfunctional family. “It would be the perfect picture of domesticity if it wasn’t so twisted. One wife, three kids, two husbands. It’s like something from a down-market reality tv show. … what happens next? Freddie can’t stay here forever. “
As the book went on, Alex and Carter act like they know he’s been alive for the last 10 years, like they never assumed he was dead. I thought this was so strange!
“I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. How am I supposed to keep both husbands happy? I’m not sure it’s possible.”
The amount of times that the author referred to Freddie and Carter as the “first husband” and “second husband” drove me crazy.
When we get to the part in the story where Alex is recounting the morning Freddie left, she doesn’t seem all that worried or concerned. She didn’t assume something horrible had happened to him, she just said that he vanished.
Overall, I thought this book was choppy and predictable. We never did find out why Freddie decided to return, and his reasoning for being away for 10 years was stupid. Not my favorite, and unfortunately probably would not recommend it to friends.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
Freddie told Alex, “Don’t trust Carter.” Who should she trust, her first husband or her second husband?
And who could be behind the mysterious notes that keep appearing in Alex’s mail slot saying that “the truth will come out?”
The premise of this book sounded great, and I was so excited to read it, but it fell short for me.
One of the first things that I found strange was when Freddie comes through the door, one of the first things that Alex did was to go and “cancel the cab” for the anniversary dinner. She wasn’t freaking out or emotional about Freddie’s return. If my husband all of a sudden reappeared after 10 years, I imagine that my reaction would be MUCH different than Alex’s.
Then they all just coexisted like a big dysfunctional family. “It would be the perfect picture of domesticity if it wasn’t so twisted. One wife, three kids, two husbands. It’s like something from a down-market reality tv show. … what happens next? Freddie can’t stay here forever. “
As the book went on, Alex and Carter act like they know he’s been alive for the last 10 years, like they never assumed he was dead. I thought this was so strange!
“I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. How am I supposed to keep both husbands happy? I’m not sure it’s possible.”
The amount of times that the author referred to Freddie and Carter as the “first husband” and “second husband” drove me crazy.
When we get to the part in the story where Alex is recounting the morning Freddie left, she doesn’t seem all that worried or concerned. She didn’t assume something horrible had happened to him, she just said that he vanished.
Overall, I thought this book was choppy and predictable. We never did find out why Freddie decided to return, and his reasoning for being away for 10 years was stupid. Not my favorite, and unfortunately probably would not recommend it to friends.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
December 28, 2025
I didn’t particularly care for this book. The description and premise sounded interesting, but after having figured out what was going on in the first 15% of the novel I only finished it because it was offered to me on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book leans heavily on the “domestic” part of “domestic thriller”. The story focuses on Alex, a stay-at-home-mom (SAHM) who has made the decision to become a mother not once, or twice, but three times, then spends her days whining and sighing about how tired she is at having to do laundry and clean while her doctor husband supports them. The self-imposed martyrdom made me not root for her, which I don’t think was the author’s intention. Alex was simply just unlikable for endlessly whinging about how hard her life is when she has no money woes, there are two parents to carry the load, she only has one child not in school, and she doesn’t need to work. It left a very sour taste in my mouth.
As an American reader I did not understand a lot of the terms and verbiage, but eventually just stopped looking up the definitions as I was getting the general concept and wasn’t very invested in the story. I think it would be worthwhile for the publisher to make some small adaptations in that regard for a USA release.
This book lacked subtlety and the characters’ motivations were trite (especially the antagonist’s). It's the type of book that gets adapted into a Lifetime movie. Between the endless SAHM navel-gazing, an unlikable protagonist, a predictable story, and motivations lacking nuance or depth, this isn’t a book I’d recommend.
The book leans heavily on the “domestic” part of “domestic thriller”. The story focuses on Alex, a stay-at-home-mom (SAHM) who has made the decision to become a mother not once, or twice, but three times, then spends her days whining and sighing about how tired she is at having to do laundry and clean while her doctor husband supports them. The self-imposed martyrdom made me not root for her, which I don’t think was the author’s intention. Alex was simply just unlikable for endlessly whinging about how hard her life is when she has no money woes, there are two parents to carry the load, she only has one child not in school, and she doesn’t need to work. It left a very sour taste in my mouth.
As an American reader I did not understand a lot of the terms and verbiage, but eventually just stopped looking up the definitions as I was getting the general concept and wasn’t very invested in the story. I think it would be worthwhile for the publisher to make some small adaptations in that regard for a USA release.
This book lacked subtlety and the characters’ motivations were trite (especially the antagonist’s). It's the type of book that gets adapted into a Lifetime movie. Between the endless SAHM navel-gazing, an unlikable protagonist, a predictable story, and motivations lacking nuance or depth, this isn’t a book I’d recommend.
March 17, 2025
Non-spoiler review:
The Husband Before You opens with Alex's husband, Freddie, returning after being gone for ten years. He had been presumed dead and she is now married to his best friend from before he disappeared, Carter.
The novel jumps between the past and present, explaining the events leading up to his disappearance as well as how Alex and Freddie's relationship began. The novel is entertaining, with the two main storylines being how/why Freddie was gone for ten years and why he's suddenly returned, and suspicious letters Alex keeps getting from an anonymous source saying things like "the truth will be revealed". It kept me reading and avoided some of the bigger pitfalls of suspense thrillers (e.g. too many twists, the ending being too obvious, etc.). My bigger concerns can't be discussed without spoilers, so I'll separate those out below.
Trigger warnings:
The Husband Before You opens with Alex's husband, Freddie, returning after being gone for ten years. He had been presumed dead and she is now married to his best friend from before he disappeared, Carter.
The novel jumps between the past and present, explaining the events leading up to his disappearance as well as how Alex and Freddie's relationship began. The novel is entertaining, with the two main storylines being how/why Freddie was gone for ten years and why he's suddenly returned, and suspicious letters Alex keeps getting from an anonymous source saying things like "the truth will be revealed". It kept me reading and avoided some of the bigger pitfalls of suspense thrillers (e.g. too many twists, the ending being too obvious, etc.). My bigger concerns can't be discussed without spoilers, so I'll separate those out below.
Trigger warnings:
April 1, 2025
The Husband Before You is a thriller/suspense novel about a group of people who clearly and viciously hate themselves and each other and yet they continue to hang out.
This is my first novel by AJ McDine. If there’s one thing I will give the book, is it’s quick-fire way of laying out the things at the beginning of the book that the reader should keep on their radar throughout: why is Freddie back?; why did he leave in the first place?; why did he tell Alex not to trust Carter?; what dark secret is Alex keeping that she and others swore never to tell anyone? Everyone is on the chopping block, and you find yourself questioning people’s actions. I was hooked right away.
The story, however, I found to be incredibly predictable, and each time the big moments were about to drop they always fumbled or the big truths were incredibly and frustratingly disappointing. Like, “Oh… THAT’S why you did ALL OF THIS? Really? Therapy would have been way simpler.”
This book tackles a lot of themes that do not apply to me, the main ones being extreme marital struggles and postpartum depression. As a child-free-by-choice woman, I failed to connect with the story’s focus, Alex. If anything, this book was more like bringing a mirror up to my face and showing me how my life would spiral if I had kids. The endless drivel of Alex’s life at a stay-at-home mom, coupled with her constant self-flagellation, make her a pitiful protagonist that pushed me to skim through her POV chapters.
The motivation behind the antagonist’s actions was, to put it bluntly, trite and very dumb. I don’t think I could talk about it more without spoiling it, so I will leave it at that.
I really enjoyed the book up until the 40% mark. Once the truths started to come out, it was one after another of anticlimactic lackluster.
Thank you to Bookouture for the gifted ARC provided through Netgalley.
This is my first novel by AJ McDine. If there’s one thing I will give the book, is it’s quick-fire way of laying out the things at the beginning of the book that the reader should keep on their radar throughout: why is Freddie back?; why did he leave in the first place?; why did he tell Alex not to trust Carter?; what dark secret is Alex keeping that she and others swore never to tell anyone? Everyone is on the chopping block, and you find yourself questioning people’s actions. I was hooked right away.
The story, however, I found to be incredibly predictable, and each time the big moments were about to drop they always fumbled or the big truths were incredibly and frustratingly disappointing. Like, “Oh… THAT’S why you did ALL OF THIS? Really? Therapy would have been way simpler.”
This book tackles a lot of themes that do not apply to me, the main ones being extreme marital struggles and postpartum depression. As a child-free-by-choice woman, I failed to connect with the story’s focus, Alex. If anything, this book was more like bringing a mirror up to my face and showing me how my life would spiral if I had kids. The endless drivel of Alex’s life at a stay-at-home mom, coupled with her constant self-flagellation, make her a pitiful protagonist that pushed me to skim through her POV chapters.
The motivation behind the antagonist’s actions was, to put it bluntly, trite and very dumb. I don’t think I could talk about it more without spoiling it, so I will leave it at that.
I really enjoyed the book up until the 40% mark. Once the truths started to come out, it was one after another of anticlimactic lackluster.
Thank you to Bookouture for the gifted ARC provided through Netgalley.
June 18, 2025
Where has Freddie been? Why is he back? And what did he mean when he said I shouldn’t trust Carter?
Set in England, with some jaunts to Scotland.
Alex, 39, has been married to Carter Petersen (43) for three years.
Carter is her second husband; first husband, Freddie Harris, mysteriously disappeared ten years ago.
Both men are pediatricians; they’ve actually been best friends since medical school.
Alex has son Dylan (2) with Carter; daughters Erin (14) and Megan (10) are from her marriage to Freddie.
Gemma Lawrence, a nurse, is Alex’s best friend.
Fleming, an old Golden Retriever, rounds out the family.
With a long page count, this novel moves along surprisingly quickly.
The characters’ ages do not track. At one point, it sounds like the girls met the aspiring med students when they were in high school. At another point, Freddie has known Gemma for sixteen years…yet Gemma and Alex are the same age.
Ingrid Kelly, and her daughter Sapphire.
Surprisingly emotional. Freddie’s chapters are incredibly well done.
The Isle of Lewis.
Very absorbing. The rarity: A book claiming to be “unputdownable”—and actually is.
Friendships, family, love, betrayal.
Truths revealed.
Sapphy’s outcome.
The tests.
Somewhere around 75-80%, this begins fumbling…and just gets worse. Which is sad because this could actually be a 5 ⭐️ with proper execution.
Correct villain selection? ✅
Correct husband selection? ❌
It’s impossible not to root for one husband over the other. Needless to say…that does not work out so well.
A shame. And the ending is not sufficient.
The Magical Forgiveness of one of the shady husbands is quite unfortunate. Wrong choice, Alex.
“I think you should be careful. People don’t change. You’d be a fool to trust him.”
Set in England, with some jaunts to Scotland.
Alex, 39, has been married to Carter Petersen (43) for three years.
Carter is her second husband; first husband, Freddie Harris, mysteriously disappeared ten years ago.
Both men are pediatricians; they’ve actually been best friends since medical school.
Alex has son Dylan (2) with Carter; daughters Erin (14) and Megan (10) are from her marriage to Freddie.
Gemma Lawrence, a nurse, is Alex’s best friend.
Fleming, an old Golden Retriever, rounds out the family.
With a long page count, this novel moves along surprisingly quickly.
The characters’ ages do not track. At one point, it sounds like the girls met the aspiring med students when they were in high school. At another point, Freddie has known Gemma for sixteen years…yet Gemma and Alex are the same age.
Ingrid Kelly, and her daughter Sapphire.
Surprisingly emotional. Freddie’s chapters are incredibly well done.
The Isle of Lewis.
Very absorbing. The rarity: A book claiming to be “unputdownable”—and actually is.
Friendships, family, love, betrayal.
Truths revealed.
Sapphy’s outcome.
The tests.
Somewhere around 75-80%, this begins fumbling…and just gets worse. Which is sad because this could actually be a 5 ⭐️ with proper execution.
Correct villain selection? ✅
Correct husband selection? ❌
It’s impossible not to root for one husband over the other. Needless to say…that does not work out so well.
A shame. And the ending is not sufficient.
The Magical Forgiveness of one of the shady husbands is quite unfortunate. Wrong choice, Alex.
“I think you should be careful. People don’t change. You’d be a fool to trust him.”
April 1, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I thought my first husband Freddie died ten years ago. But now he’s back…
I live in a gorgeous house with my handsome second husband Carter, my two daughters and our adorable baby boy. Then Freddie says, ‘Don’t trust Carter.’ I trust him with my life… don’t I? Could one of them be behind the threatening notes I’ve been receiving? I have to make the right choice, because it soon becomes clear that my life depends on it…
Thoughts :
Omg what a read! This is hands down my favourite book I’ve read so far by this author!
Right from the very first page, I thought there was a great opening chapter which did a fantastic job at setting the scene and it drew me into the story. The story was told through a dual POV and timeline, and paired with short chapters, the book was addictive and fast-paced, whilst still being easy to follow. I loved how atmospheric the writing felt too!
There were some shocking twists that I never saw coming! 🤯😍 They literally made my jaw drop! I thought that the ending was brilliant too. Everything was wrapped up beautifully, but it also left me dying for more from the story- I would absolutely love to see a sequel, because I NEED to know what happens next! 😬😄🤞
Overall this was a fantastic domestic/psychological thriller. With mind-blowing twists and short, snappy chapters, this one was impossible to put down! Definitely one of my favorite books so far this year!
Highly recommend this one!
A huge thank you the publisher for the advanced Netgalley copy. Out now and available on KU, e-book and paperback.
All opinions in this review are my own.
I thought my first husband Freddie died ten years ago. But now he’s back…
I live in a gorgeous house with my handsome second husband Carter, my two daughters and our adorable baby boy. Then Freddie says, ‘Don’t trust Carter.’ I trust him with my life… don’t I? Could one of them be behind the threatening notes I’ve been receiving? I have to make the right choice, because it soon becomes clear that my life depends on it…
Thoughts :
Omg what a read! This is hands down my favourite book I’ve read so far by this author!
Right from the very first page, I thought there was a great opening chapter which did a fantastic job at setting the scene and it drew me into the story. The story was told through a dual POV and timeline, and paired with short chapters, the book was addictive and fast-paced, whilst still being easy to follow. I loved how atmospheric the writing felt too!
There were some shocking twists that I never saw coming! 🤯😍 They literally made my jaw drop! I thought that the ending was brilliant too. Everything was wrapped up beautifully, but it also left me dying for more from the story- I would absolutely love to see a sequel, because I NEED to know what happens next! 😬😄🤞
Overall this was a fantastic domestic/psychological thriller. With mind-blowing twists and short, snappy chapters, this one was impossible to put down! Definitely one of my favorite books so far this year!
Highly recommend this one!
A huge thank you the publisher for the advanced Netgalley copy. Out now and available on KU, e-book and paperback.
All opinions in this review are my own.
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