My Husband's Lies: An utterly addictive psychological thriller packed with stunning twists for 2026!

by Maryann Webb

How well do you really know the people closest to you?

Aria Miller used to think she had the perfect life, but now that the honeymoon phase is all but a distant memory, she can't shake the feeling her perfect life is a sandcastle waiting to collapse.

Recently she's felt a prickle of anxiety when her husband Ethan says he has to work late. She's trying to shake the feeling that he's been lying. After all, trusting men has never worked out well for Aria . . . But sweet, kind Ethan has never given her a reason not to trust him, has he?

Perhaps the stress of trying for a baby is finally getting to her, recently she swears she feels someone is watching her as she grabs her morning decaf coffee.

Then, during a girls' night that was supposed to take her mind off things, her best friend Isla is brutally murdered in a dark bathroom bar. Aria is still reeling from the shock when the text How well do you know your husband?

And suddenly, amid a police investigation and Ethan's increasingly strange behaviour, Aria is forced to question everyone around her - including herself.

He said he loved me. He said I had nothing to worry about. What else don't I know about my husband's lies?

Genres: Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Thriller

Audible Audio

Published June 24, 2025

About the author

Maryann 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 M.Q. Webb

Reviews

[Natalie M · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

Show don’t tell. I did not enjoy the characters, the plot or the overly analysed approach.

[Silver Star · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast paced, twisty thriller about a woman who’s marriage isn’t really all it seems. The story is full of lies, betrayals and suspense and will keep you gripped.

The story revolves around Aria and her seemingly perfect marriage to Ethan. As the plot unfolds, Aria begins to question everything: her husband, her past & you as the reader start to question Aria’s version of events too as her past is slowly revealed.

How well do you really know the people around you? This is the overarching question posed throughout. This book does tight, atmospheric tension so well you are hooked pretty quickly. With short chapters and twists revealed skilfully throughout, you will have to keep reading to find out what is really going on; who is lying and why.

A gripping domestic thriller with Lisa Jewell vibes.

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is incredibly addictive, full of twists and turns. How well do you really know your husband? Aria, a nurse, is married to Ethan, a businessman. She starts feeling like someone is watching her, leaving her spooked. While they’re trying for a baby, Ethan is away once again, and her friends invite her for a night out. But one of her friends doesn’t make it home—she’s murdered in the bathroom, and Aria believes it should have been her. Determined to uncover her husband’s secrets, Aria embarks on a gripping journey. A very compelling read!

[Emily Naylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow wow wow
the twists just kept coming 🤯

[Dave Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite audio book of the year so far

Great story really well told when one of her best friends is killed on a night out so much changes well it would plus this is a thriller so true this is expected. But the story isn't aa expected it's full of surprises plenty of unforseen twists and some hold your breath moments.. Her surviving friends add to the drama but it's the other ones that supply most of it. The mystery stalker (or are they) This is an intriguing drama/thriller and definitely a great read.

So it's a 5star listen (or read) in my view and I highly recommend and how you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Nicki]

It’s not necessarily the books fault. I just swear every book I’ve picked up lately has a protagonist trying to get pregnant and a questionable husband. I just can’t again. I feel like I’ve read this story to death.

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This felt a long listen , although the chapters were short there were many of them . There were some difficult issuses dealt with but i grew to hate the characters until their true past was revealed, the pacing was just too off for me., it too long to get to the point. yes the characters had depth but the length made me hate them quite a bit.. The idea was brilliant but i found myself mad because it seems too ott and overly ridiculous executed. I did enjoy it as it unfolded , needs to be short and maybe edited. The narration tried hard but it felt flat. This is a once read it for me, may appeal to listeners and readers who like an easy a to b. Thank you netgallery, publisher, author and narrator.

[Becky Mealyer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really didn’t like this, repeating a lot and rubbish story

[Kelsie Ator · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from netgalley and the author! I am so glad I was chosen for it, thank you! I loved the twists and turns in this book! Aria being played like she was, was wild! The wife, the 2 side pieces, one of them being her! Cant believe how far the maid took everything! From the wife, aria, willow, matt and everyone being tied together somehow was just wild to me! Definitely kept me on my toes for the whole book!

[Brooke Henshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was slightly slow at the beginning, and that I nailed the plot - I was so so soooo wrong.
Aria, a nurse with a lot of secrets starts to question her husband (and soon to be baby daddy)s values in their relationship. Ethan’s business trips would often get “extended” and he started lacking communication which sparked Aria’s questions. The pace started to pick up when Aria and her best friend start to look into her husband themselves, when another one of their friend dies. And then another. The plot thickens as much as that thanksgiving dinner gravy - crazy amount of characters introduced late into the book to add the plot twists.

Overall it was a page turner for the most part, and I enjoyed it.

[Shannon Keens]

Without a doubt the stupidest plot I’ve ever read. I am not even adding a spoiler alert because it’s so stupid but pls enjoy my condensed version:

K so chick thinks her hubby is cheating on her right? But she’s a sap so she’s desperately tryna fall preggo still (lol babe u will learn) but he’s a bit of perp and doesn’t like her drinking or going out with friends so anyway she decides to yolo it and go out for a bevvy with the gals whilst he’s off on a “business trip” aka balls deep in another lass. Chick is at the club and is adamant she’s being watched but anywho, goes to the loo and finds her bestie full brown bread and they dunno who killed her. BUT chicky boo *KNOWS* that it’s the girl hunny is cheating on her with … to ??? Get rid of her??? But they got the wrong girl ??? Idk stay with me.

Chick her other bestie who is not dead become vigilante detectives decide they wanna solve the other chicks murder. Then main chick start getting creepo emails and semi threatening so she goes to meet up with the sender (red hot mind you) and this bird says she’s the hubby’s wife?! Waaaaat??

Meanwhile, chick has also left some bloke to die years ago when they had a car crash when she was at college because she didn’t want anyone to know they were doing the horizontal tango idk another perp, older bloke. So yeah she’s got this *dark mysterious* killer vibe to her of so she reckons lol

SURPRISE she’s pregnant to the hubby! Wild right! But again, stay with me. Then there’s some random broad in her apartment who says she’s a PI? Doesn’t flinch at that. Thinks it’s normal. Then she’s got some beef with the housemaid but that’s all swept under the rug until….the almighty climax of everyone being in the one room together!

Turns out hubby married to the other bird and never divorced so chick and him are a fake marriage and he allegedly still just hangs out with the other bird to keep her quiet but swears he no lub her. The bird self lost a baby and chick was the nurse at hospital so the bird hates the chick and she wants to steal her babe lol. Then the other two the PI and house frau are actual sisters and you guessed it (or probably not bc it makes no fkn sense) they are daughters of the old bloke chick was rootin back at college so they’ve got a vendetta too.

Someone gets a gun from somewhere idk. Hubby ends up in jail but chick takes the baby to see him so they’ve baby can decide for herself.

What in the love of Christ was this?????

[Horace Bear · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not impressed at all. I found at least 90% of the narration to be quite unbelievable. I was quite shocked to see some give 5 star reviews on here as I thought the book’s plot was ridiculous. Aria is married but her husband is away so she goes out with her friends. One is found dead in the public loo and Aria immediately comes to the conclusion that the killer might have meant to murder her despite not knowing if this was a targeted murder. I did end up reading the whole book but I’m left wondering why I bothered as the book got more and more unbelievable. I was generous with my score of 2, just because I managed to get to the end and find out what on earth Aria finds out.

[Laura Connelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book introduces us to Aria, a nurse who is happily married to Ethan. Aria starts to feel suspicious that Ethan isn’t being faithful and honest, with her doubting her marriage. On a night out with her friends Cassandra, Isla and Zoe, Isla is murdered and then she receives some strange emails. This book was twisty, had you suspecting everyone and was a real page turners! We find out more about Aria’s background as the book progresses and it helps link everything. I had my main suspect and was totally wrong!! I really enjoyed this book and looking forward to reading more by this author!

[Sophie Turner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Skip this one. The ending is absurdly far-fetched, and the plot struggles to make any real sense. There’s no meaningful buildup to the twists they feel random and forced and numerous loose ends are left unresolved. The rushed attempt to tie everything together at the end is especially disappointing. The characters are more irritating than engaging, and calling this a “thriller” is generous at best. I found it dull rather than suspenseful.

[Zoe E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this one really easy to read.
It is packed full of secrets and lies.
And it did not turn out the way I expected it to..
Fairly fast-paced with short chapters.
Loved the way that things were revealed bit by bit.
Plenty of twists along the way and the tension builds up well.
I enjoyed how the main characters past was unraveled along the way.

[NomadicReader · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started off strong with a good, creepy prologue but quickly tapered off after that. I found it to be slow and unsuspenseful while still wanting to know who dunnit. The story felt drug out at times for me, especially the ending.

[Sharon Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the beginning this book will leave you wanting more.

Aria is going out with her friends but she is suspicious of her husband she thinks he is having an affair and shes not sure whether to tell her friends or not. When one of her friends turns up dead in the bathroom does her husband have anything to do with it after someone tells her they saw Ethan leaving her friends flat a few days before she is murdered. Aria is determined to find out what is going on. Is she being followed ???? Is ethan up to something ????

I did not work out what was gonna happen at the end which I liked and it certainly keeps you guessing with lots of twists and turns as you readalong. I really enjoyed this book and felt for Aria. I would definitely read more books by this author.

[SHARON L. BOGDAN · Rating 2 out of 5]

narrator was terible

[Shannon Rosario · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook
I really loved this book! There was so many twists and turns in this book. Webb did a great job distracting the reader with details that may or may not circle back to the truth. I found myself excited to get in the car to put this book back on again to hear what happened next.

I was guessing Willow had something to do with it early on but was thrown off the trail a few times. Certainly going to search out other reads from Webb to see if i'm sucked in just as well.

[Rebecca Hawke · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted this book to grip me like Velcro, instead, it flopped like one of those sticky men that you throw at the wall and then up watch it tumble down pretty quickly. 1 star

[Emily (the_bookdragons_den) · Rating 2 out of 5]

My Husband Lies was an intriguing and twisty thriller filled with secrets, lies and betrayal. At its core it asks how well do you really know the people you love?

Told from the single POV of Aria this book had a lot of tension woven into the narrative. The chapters were short, which made the storyline feel fast paced and made for easy reading. While I liked Aria’s character she internally reflected a lot and at times it felt a little disjointed from the storyline.

I loved that the outcome wasn’t predictable at all and that it was an easy and quick read, but overall it didn’t quite hit the mark for me as an edge of your seat thriller.

Thank you to Embla for a copy to read.

[Christine Oattes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced book with lots of twists and turns the main character does too many what if which got a bit boring at times. I felt it was over done.

[Maxine · Rating 3 out of 5]

7/10

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Embla Books, and author Maryann Webb for the opportunity to read and review this ARC for My Husband's Lies.

This a domestic thriller that leans into the chaos of secrets, trust, and betrayal within a seemingly normal marriage. From the first chapter, the author pulls you into a tense atmosphere where every conversation feels loaded and every silence feels suspicious.
The pacing is sharp with short chapters (which I appreciated), steady reveals, and a sense of dread that builds without ever getting too heavy. There’s an undercurrent of emotional complexity that gives depth to the characters, especially Aria(FMC) whose voice carries the narrative with a mix of confusion, strength, and vulnerability.

Something that didn't allow me to give this book a 5 start is that at times, Aria asks a lot of questions internally, I would say too many questions, which can make it hard to stay fully immersed in the story. Still, her emotional turmoil feels authentic, Also, it was refreshing to see that she’s not completely isolated. The presence of supportive friends adds balance and hope, helping ground the story in a more realistic world.

Another interesting point was how her own past becomes a mysterious thread that slowly unravels, ultimately delivering a well-executed twist that ties it all together and elevates the emotional weight of the ending. This book will make you wonder if you can ever fully know the person you love.

If you are looking for a story about a normal marriage that is surrounded by crime and thrilling moments, then this is for you!

My Husband's Lies is releasing on June 26, 2025!

#NetGalley #thesecretsinamarriage #pastthatcomesback #Mystery #Crime #MaryannWebb #EmblaBooks

[Amanda Kerschen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maryann Webb delivers an electrifying psychological thriller in *My Husband's Lies*, a story that grabs hold from the first page and refuses to let go. The novel follows Aria Miller, whose seemingly perfect marriage begins to unravel when her best friend is murdered and anonymous messages force her to question everything about her husband Ethan.

What makes this thriller exceptional is its relentless pace and Webb's ability to maintain unbearable tension throughout. Just when you think you've uncovered the truth, another shocking twist upends your assumptions. The character development stands out particularly Aria evolves from a trusting wife to a determined truth seeker in a way that feels completely authentic.

The exploration of trust in relationships hits hard, making readers question how well anyone can truly know their partner. Webb masterfully plants seeds of doubt that grow into full blown paranoia, both for Aria and the audience. The murder mystery element adds an extra layer of urgency that propels the story forward.

This is the kind of book that makes you cancel plans to keep reading. The final revelations are executed with precision, delivering the perfect balance of shock and satisfaction. Webb has crafted a thriller that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of Freida McFadden and Shalini Boland.

5/5 stars A flawless psychological thriller that deserves all the hype. *My Husband's Lies* cements Webb as a must read author in the genre.

Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for the ARC. This is one of the best thrillers I've read this year.

[Carmen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book made zero sense. It starts off with Aria going to a bar with her 3 friends and one of them (Isla) winds up dead in the bathroom. Aria immediately goes omg me and Isla are a similar height/build/hair color, and the other day I felt like I was being followed and also I think maybe my husband (Ethan) is cheating on me because it felt different when he said I love you last time so it must be that the girl he’s cheating on me with tried to kill me but accidentally got Isla instead…what??

And then it turns out that Ethan is actually married to another woman (Monique) and they conspired for Ethan to get Aria pregnant and then take the baby to raise because Monique blames Aria for their baby being still born so they hate her, but this also makes no sense cause Aria is just a nurse. Oh and Ethan’s housekeeper Willow is in on it too and also hates Aria because years ago Aria had an affair with her dad (Matt) which then led to her mom overdosing. And Aria thought Matt died in a car crash after trying to kill them both but he actually didn’t and oh he’s actually behind this whole plot too. And then in the end after Aria drops her newborn baby off at the prison for a visit with Ethan Matt shows up and tries to kill Aria again but Aria drives them off a cliff and kills Matt. But not before he confesses to being a serial killer and revealing who/where his victims are. Also we didn’t even hear about Matt until like 80% of the way through the book. And then Aria is flirting with the EMT who arrives and they arrange to go on a date. The whole book is just bizarre and random. One more example just to point out how strange this book is- Aria finds a second friend dead and immediately calls another friend to tell her. Like a minute later while she’s next to the body before she even talks to the police or anything.

[Silvi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Badly written. People don't act like this, ignoring the big questions for the sake of the plot. Very nonsensical and too much bla bla from the protagonist mind.

[Susanna Chin · Rating 2 out of 5]

A series of unlikely events thrown together to make a questionable storyline.

[Peter Fleming · Rating 3 out of 5]

A somewhat subdued start as the reader is introduced to nurse Aria, who has her troubles. Her husband Ethan is increasingly working late or going away on endless business trips, such that she is starting to get suspicious that perhaps he is having an affair. They have been trying for a baby for some time now with no success, despite Aria following all the advice given. Lately Aria has had the sense that she is being watched and sometimes even followed. It’s all getting a bit too much for her, she is being a little paranoid, but perhaps with good reason.
Ethan is away on his latest business trip, so an evening out with the girls to celebrate friend Cassandra’s promotion is just what the doctor ordered. That is until Isla goes missing, she was last seen on the dancefloor with Zoe. They try to find her; Aria discovers her in the ladies, she’s been murdered.
The pacing is initially slow but gradually building up in intensity as the story progresses, before a frantic conclusion. This is a psychological thriller that thrives on building on doubts and insecurities incrementally, with seemingly small revelations like taking thin slices of a salami to make whole. Little by little each piece adding up to reach a critical mass before exploding in a memorable confrontation. If action thrillers are your thing stick with it through the build-up, you will be rewarded.
As the title suggests this is a story built upon lies and deceptions, the deepest of betrayals and insecurities, at heart this is more than just a casual affair. These actions are deep seated, damaging, and delusional, finally morphing into a bizarre conspiracy of desperation, one I certainly never imagined. There may be few characters, but this is a complex story on an emotional level, with surprising motivations being hidden behind everyday actions. Thanks to some tight plotting the reader has their work cut out trying to determine who is telling the truth, as even the main protagonist holds a dark secret of their own. Expect plenty of plot twists as the story develops.
The nature of the story means that the characters tend to show unlikable traits, that way the suspects are never clear to the reader, uncertainty enhancing the suspense. There is some mirror imaging of experiences that allows connections between characters to be made, a kind of empathy towards a fellow sufferer. Jealousy and the coveting of what others possess become powerful driving forces. These are largely damaged souls though, whose actions whilst unforgiveable become understandable as the latter part of the story unfolds.
Aria is well drawn and engaging but will have the reader vacillating in how they feel about her, even as her world starts to fall apart. Initially she seems a bit ditsy and hormonal, then it appears she is clearly wronged, before her own secret is revealed and a little doubt creeps in for the reader. She became a nurse to save people but there is more to it, with hints of survivor guilt surfacing. It’s a cracking piece of writing managing to balance all these complexities within one woman who it transpires isn’t living the life she thinks she is.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

💙 ❤️ WoW this book was so good! ❤️ 💙

My Husband's Lies by Maryann Webb and narrated by Nerissa Bradley was an absolutely unputdownable psychological thriller with a jaw-dropping twist that will have you sitting there with your mouth open and then spend a few seconds thinking about it!!!

Question. . . . . . .

How well do you really know the people closest to you?

"Well, I think I do!"

Aria Miller has the perfect life well she thinks she does. Her Honeymoon phrase is now a distant memory but, she can't the strange feeling that her so called perfect life is all about to collapse around her.
Ana, has started to feel something is not right especially when her Husband Ethan tells her he has to work late. But, she shrugs it off and tells herself everything is ok, and he is not lying to her, after all he is perfect, kind and sweet and has never given her any reason not to trust him. But, something is not right and she can not out her finger on it!!!

It maybe the stress of them trying for a baby? bit, as she grabs her morning coffee she feels someone is watching her! and this feeling will not go away!!!!

All Ava needs is a good all girl's night out. . . . That will take her mind off everything. What could ever go wrong?

Whilst they were out her best friend Isla is brutally murdered in a dark bathroom bar.

Aria is still reeling from the shock when the text "How well do you know your husband?"

And suddenly, amid a police investigation and Ethan's increasingly strange behaviour, Aria is forced to question everyone around her - including herself.

He said "He loved me!.. . . . .But does he?"

He said "I had nothing to worry about! . . . . . . But something is telling me different!!!

But, What else don't I know about my husband's lies?

Is Aria safe?

This book was excellent and was full of twists and turns throughout.

The narrator Nerissa Bradley was superb for this book, she bought it alive.

I highly recommend this audiobook 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier UK Audio | Embla Books for the ARC