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His Next Wife
His first wife died in an accident, but I’m not so sure. Did he kill her? Am I next?
Handsome and charming, Jack swept me off my feet when we met, and now we’re married and I’m moving into his imposing old house. I’m bursting with excitement until I see a face staring down at me from an upstairs window. Before I can wave, the face vanishes from view. Jack says nobody else was home, so who is hiding in the shadows?
Taking in my new home, I’m startled to discover a long ivory wedding gown in one of the bedrooms. My heart pounds as I realise this was the room where I saw someone watching me. Jack tells me the dress belonged to his ex-wife, who died in an accident. He says he forgot the dress was there, but I can’t fail to notice the way he avoids eye contact as he quickly hurries me out of the room and locks the door behind us.
As the days go by, I see Jack less and less and I can’t help but think he’s avoiding me. Left in my new home alone, I begin to obsess about his ex-wife. Jack tells me to stop, that I’m imagining things, but I can’t help myself. Instead, I go back to the room where I thought I saw someone and nothing could have prepared me for what I find behind that locked door. Or what happens next…
Readers who enjoyed The Housemaid, The Perfect Marriage and Valerie Keogh’s The Wives, will love this truly heart-racing, pulse-pounding psychological thriller from bestselling author, D.K. Hood.
What readers are saying about D.K.
“Had me hook, line and sinker… I could not put it down. I was fully engrossed right from the start!… incredible!… soooo intriguing. I finished this in one single sitting. It was full-on twisty, suspenseful and the ending, just wait till you read that!… will keep you up all night and you won’t forget in a hurry… I held my breath almost constantly… I tried going to sleep, I really did but every time I closed my eyes, I just kept thinking about this book, and I had to know how it finished and BAM, what a twist!” arcreviews_by_m_, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I was compulsively reading this and could not put it down… just *chef’s kiss*… this book’s twists are perfect because they genuinely left my jaw on the floor… I LOVE THIS.” Booktuberforlife, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Wow, wow, wow, wow, and WOW!! I DEVOURED!… My head was all over the place!… It really was fantastic, and I didn't want to put this down ever.” zooloosbookdiary, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Oh my goodness!… simply outstanding!… has you gasping… Please D.K., in the words of Oliver Twist ‘can I have some more?’. Sheer brilliance!!” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Wow, wow, wow!! What a thrill ride!! Kept me guessing the whole time!!” sip_andread, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
Handsome and charming, Jack swept me off my feet when we met, and now we’re married and I’m moving into his imposing old house. I’m bursting with excitement until I see a face staring down at me from an upstairs window. Before I can wave, the face vanishes from view. Jack says nobody else was home, so who is hiding in the shadows?
Taking in my new home, I’m startled to discover a long ivory wedding gown in one of the bedrooms. My heart pounds as I realise this was the room where I saw someone watching me. Jack tells me the dress belonged to his ex-wife, who died in an accident. He says he forgot the dress was there, but I can’t fail to notice the way he avoids eye contact as he quickly hurries me out of the room and locks the door behind us.
As the days go by, I see Jack less and less and I can’t help but think he’s avoiding me. Left in my new home alone, I begin to obsess about his ex-wife. Jack tells me to stop, that I’m imagining things, but I can’t help myself. Instead, I go back to the room where I thought I saw someone and nothing could have prepared me for what I find behind that locked door. Or what happens next…
Readers who enjoyed The Housemaid, The Perfect Marriage and Valerie Keogh’s The Wives, will love this truly heart-racing, pulse-pounding psychological thriller from bestselling author, D.K. Hood.
What readers are saying about D.K.
“Had me hook, line and sinker… I could not put it down. I was fully engrossed right from the start!… incredible!… soooo intriguing. I finished this in one single sitting. It was full-on twisty, suspenseful and the ending, just wait till you read that!… will keep you up all night and you won’t forget in a hurry… I held my breath almost constantly… I tried going to sleep, I really did but every time I closed my eyes, I just kept thinking about this book, and I had to know how it finished and BAM, what a twist!” arcreviews_by_m_, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I was compulsively reading this and could not put it down… just *chef’s kiss*… this book’s twists are perfect because they genuinely left my jaw on the floor… I LOVE THIS.” Booktuberforlife, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Wow, wow, wow, wow, and WOW!! I DEVOURED!… My head was all over the place!… It really was fantastic, and I didn't want to put this down ever.” zooloosbookdiary, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Oh my goodness!… simply outstanding!… has you gasping… Please D.K., in the words of Oliver Twist ‘can I have some more?’. Sheer brilliance!!” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Wow, wow, wow!! What a thrill ride!! Kept me guessing the whole time!!” sip_andread, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2026
11 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I thought this was a bit like quite a few other novels of the genre I've read but absolutely no surprise from D.K. Hood, I was so wrong there!
A really engaging psychological thriller! Twists, heartache and a totally unpredictable ending for me - pulled in many different directions.
Good depictions of mental health and blended families too. I enjoyed the mixed media with diary entries especially. I just reduced my rating because of the somewhat abrupt ending where it all fell into place a tiny bit too well. In any case, a gripping and quick read.
I couldn't recommend D.K. Hood for either police procedurals or psychological thrillers enough! Thanks so much, Debra, for another buddy read - be sure to check out her review when it is up!
Thanks also NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for my eARC in exchange for my honest review.
A really engaging psychological thriller! Twists, heartache and a totally unpredictable ending for me - pulled in many different directions.
Good depictions of mental health and blended families too. I enjoyed the mixed media with diary entries especially. I just reduced my rating because of the somewhat abrupt ending where it all fell into place a tiny bit too well. In any case, a gripping and quick read.
I couldn't recommend D.K. Hood for either police procedurals or psychological thrillers enough! Thanks so much, Debra, for another buddy read - be sure to check out her review when it is up!
Thanks also NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for my eARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 12, 2026
A whirlwind courtship leaves Willow breathless but a myriad of questions await back at Jack’s wonky house that is awash with his deceased wife Laura.
Willow becomes obsessed with discovering what really happened to Laura.
I thought Willow would forever wallow in the loft and other spaces In her attempt to ferret out the truth.
I did like how she took to the children and also asserted herself.
Although I suspected almost everyone, there was one person who I eyeballed immediately as the main perp and I was right!
My detective creds are established 😁
Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
Willow becomes obsessed with discovering what really happened to Laura.
I thought Willow would forever wallow in the loft and other spaces In her attempt to ferret out the truth.
I did like how she took to the children and also asserted herself.
Although I suspected almost everyone, there was one person who I eyeballed immediately as the main perp and I was right!
My detective creds are established 😁
Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When you meet someone and start a relationship, you don’t expect that person to immediately reveal every detail of their past. However, you do expect that the most important things will be shared as the relationship progresses.
That’s why Willow trusts him completely, and when he asks her to marry him, she doesn’t hesitate for a second. It’s the beginning of a dream—but at some point, you are inevitably jolted awake from that dream, sometimes with quite a shock.
Willow becomes fascinated by the accident that happened to her predecessor, and although her new husband Jack has told her about it, she can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to the story. As she starts digging, she realizes that she’s right in the middle of a hornet’s nest and is being pushed to her limits by a highly manipulative and cunning person. But who—oh who—is it?
She begins to wonder if she’s imagining things… or at least that’s what others want her to believe: that she going crazy. Is she really losing her mind, or is she the victim of someone who wants her out of the way as quickly as possible?
For me, this is a very successful book. Of course, I had a main suspect on my list, because this type of story often includes someone with two faces—but even so, I couldn’t figure out the why behind that person. Then again, I couldn’t work out who it actually was either, so nothing changed there. I failed in my investigation, which means the author succeeded in her goal. Fantastic!
I devour this author’s books because they are exactly what I love to read.
5 stars
Thank you
That’s why Willow trusts him completely, and when he asks her to marry him, she doesn’t hesitate for a second. It’s the beginning of a dream—but at some point, you are inevitably jolted awake from that dream, sometimes with quite a shock.
Willow becomes fascinated by the accident that happened to her predecessor, and although her new husband Jack has told her about it, she can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to the story. As she starts digging, she realizes that she’s right in the middle of a hornet’s nest and is being pushed to her limits by a highly manipulative and cunning person. But who—oh who—is it?
She begins to wonder if she’s imagining things… or at least that’s what others want her to believe: that she going crazy. Is she really losing her mind, or is she the victim of someone who wants her out of the way as quickly as possible?
For me, this is a very successful book. Of course, I had a main suspect on my list, because this type of story often includes someone with two faces—but even so, I couldn’t figure out the why behind that person. Then again, I couldn’t work out who it actually was either, so nothing changed there. I failed in my investigation, which means the author succeeded in her goal. Fantastic!
I devour this author’s books because they are exactly what I love to read.
5 stars
Thank you
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
His Next Wife is a book that will have you questioning everything. Willow and Jack are just returning from their month long honeymoon. Willow admits she doesn't know that much about Jack and is surprised when he pulls into a fancy gated drive with a huge mansion at the end of it. The home is older and not her style, but she can tell it's worth a lot of money. Jack lives here with his 2 kids and the staff who keep everything running smoothly. Jack's previous wife, Laura, was killed in an accident. Willow feels like the house is a shrine to Laura. There's a massive painting of her as you go upstairs, the bedroom still has her clothes, jewelry, and toiletries, and it feels like she's still here. Why would Jack leave those reminders all over?
Willow swears someone is watching her when she goes exploring the house. She hears voices as if people are talking about her. Why would anyone care if Willow was exploring the house? When she finds a wedding gown in one of the bedrooms it freaks her out. Why is all of this stuff of Laura's still here? The kids have a nanny and don't remember their mother so why keep this stuff around? Jack doesn't say much and avoids talking about it. What is Jack hiding? Should Willow be worried? As Willow becomes more obsessed with finding out more about Laura, she may regret what she finds! Can she trust Jack? Is Jack who she thinks he is? Why are the staff following Willow and whispering about her? Willow needs to find out the truth before it's too late. His Next Wife is a thrilling read that will have you looking over your shoulder as you move around your house. I rate His Next Wife 4 stars with a high recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of His Next Wife in exchange for a fair review. #HisNextWife
Willow swears someone is watching her when she goes exploring the house. She hears voices as if people are talking about her. Why would anyone care if Willow was exploring the house? When she finds a wedding gown in one of the bedrooms it freaks her out. Why is all of this stuff of Laura's still here? The kids have a nanny and don't remember their mother so why keep this stuff around? Jack doesn't say much and avoids talking about it. What is Jack hiding? Should Willow be worried? As Willow becomes more obsessed with finding out more about Laura, she may regret what she finds! Can she trust Jack? Is Jack who she thinks he is? Why are the staff following Willow and whispering about her? Willow needs to find out the truth before it's too late. His Next Wife is a thrilling read that will have you looking over your shoulder as you move around your house. I rate His Next Wife 4 stars with a high recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of His Next Wife in exchange for a fair review. #HisNextWife
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was definitely on the predictable side, but tbh I didn’t mind it that much. It was past midnight and it turned out to be a pretty decent read before bed.
The pacing was good and the story flowed easily. Our main character, Willow, was okay-ish. Did she rush into marriage? Absolutely. Did she knew what she was getting into? Absolutely not. She didn’t come across as naive or dumb, I think she reacted pretty reasonably given all the weird things happening around her.
Jack though…it felt like he was just there, existing? Not really a strong or memorable character. His previous wife, Laura, died in a supposed boat accident seven years ago and Willow starts finding things that make her question if it really was an accident or something darker. The problem? Jack keeps all of Laura’s stuff around the house and while I didn’t totally blame Willow for getting curious, I think she definitely pushed a few boundaries that probably should’ve stayed closed. (I get that big painting, but not the rest.. anyway...)
The grand reveal, wasn’t surprising, it was easy to see coming but the book still worked as an easy, late-night psychological thriller. It scratched that "I want a quick domestic suspense fix" itch.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.75★)
Thank you NetGalley & Bookouture for the ARC!
The pacing was good and the story flowed easily. Our main character, Willow, was okay-ish. Did she rush into marriage? Absolutely. Did she knew what she was getting into? Absolutely not. She didn’t come across as naive or dumb, I think she reacted pretty reasonably given all the weird things happening around her.
Jack though…it felt like he was just there, existing? Not really a strong or memorable character. His previous wife, Laura, died in a supposed boat accident seven years ago and Willow starts finding things that make her question if it really was an accident or something darker. The problem? Jack keeps all of Laura’s stuff around the house and while I didn’t totally blame Willow for getting curious, I think she definitely pushed a few boundaries that probably should’ve stayed closed. (I get that big painting, but not the rest.. anyway...)
The grand reveal, wasn’t surprising, it was easy to see coming but the book still worked as an easy, late-night psychological thriller. It scratched that "I want a quick domestic suspense fix" itch.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.75★)
Thank you NetGalley & Bookouture for the ARC!
December 20, 2025
A fast-paced and enjoyable popcorn thriller narrated by Willow, who has just married Jack, a very wealthy man, after a whirlwind romance.
Jack's previous wife, Laura, died seven years previously and Willow is unnerved when she finds evidence of her all around Jack's home, almost to the level of a shrine. The staff's constant whispering and the locked doors unnerved Willow - and me too! When Willow finds Laura's diary, she is certain there is more to her death; was she murdered? And was Jack her killer? As the layers are peeled away, I was really on edge, feeling the real danger that Willow was facing.
I did find myself a little frustrated that Jack talked about Laura constantly, even having her portrait hung in the house, yet when Willow wanted to know more about her, he asked her not to keep bringing her up, however this didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of this well written book, which also has some clever twists that I didn't see coming at all!
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, D. K. Hood and Bookouture, for an ARC of this book.
Jack's previous wife, Laura, died seven years previously and Willow is unnerved when she finds evidence of her all around Jack's home, almost to the level of a shrine. The staff's constant whispering and the locked doors unnerved Willow - and me too! When Willow finds Laura's diary, she is certain there is more to her death; was she murdered? And was Jack her killer? As the layers are peeled away, I was really on edge, feeling the real danger that Willow was facing.
I did find myself a little frustrated that Jack talked about Laura constantly, even having her portrait hung in the house, yet when Willow wanted to know more about her, he asked her not to keep bringing her up, however this didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of this well written book, which also has some clever twists that I didn't see coming at all!
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, D. K. Hood and Bookouture, for an ARC of this book.
December 22, 2025
A classic psychological thriller from the perspective of the new wife. After an extremely fast courtship, Willow is married to Jack and discovers his wealth and societal position, moving into his sprawling estate. We follow as she learns of his old wife, Laura, and potentially suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. At points, the chapters switch between Willow and Laura’s perspectives, giving us hints from the past to our investigation in the present, which us enjoyable. Personally, I found this book a bit slow, and interactions/conversations between the characters came across odd and stilted at times. The ending was very guessable (but I have read a LOT of mystery/psychological thrillers so I rarely come across a twist I didn’t see coming.).
There were some unnecessary and unexplained plot points - the derelict 3rd floor that we ‘need to stay away from’ and the face in the window (important enough to be mentioned in the synopsis but not explained at all in the book).
An easy thriller thread but nothing new or innovative.
There were some unnecessary and unexplained plot points - the derelict 3rd floor that we ‘need to stay away from’ and the face in the window (important enough to be mentioned in the synopsis but not explained at all in the book).
An easy thriller thread but nothing new or innovative.
January 14, 2026
This was a really good book, quite the twists and turns. I really thought I had it figured it out from the beginning, but was surprised when I had nothing figured out at all. So, I hope you are a better detective than I am and figure it all out or not, but I do hope you get the book and enjoy it as muh as I did.
D.K. Hood is an outstanding author that writes a lot of crime and thrill novels. This is her second thriller and stand alone book.
Jack is a rich man but he hasn't told this to his new wife Willow. Instead she finds out about it when they come back from their honeymoon. Hard to tell when they are driving up to the mansion they are going to be living in for the rest of their lives. Oh, and Jack has two children that Willow did know about, Ava and Noah from his wife Laura.
Laura died on their Anniversary when she fell overboard off of their yacht the year before. They all figure that it was an accident due to the weather they were having out at sea. There were a lot of people on board that evening and supposedly no one saw anything.
Willow found Laura's diary on her old computer and started reading. She then started asking questions, a lot of questions. She found out that Jack had been married not only to Laura but also to his first wife Caroline. The thing about Jack is he couldn't bare to give any of his deceased wives things away. Laura's room was left exactly the same way everything was the same as when she passed away. Jewelry and clothes everything the same. Then Willow over hears two of the helpers outside talking about her not finding Caroline's things in the loft. Unfortunately they didn't know that she has all of the blue prints for the house and can find anything anywhere new and old.
The more she dug the more dangerous her life became. She didn't realize it but she was getting way to close to the murder.
Just wait until you find out who it is! It will keep you right there on the edge of your seat!
Thank you NetGalley and to Bookoture for the early read! I appreciate it!
D.K. Hood is an outstanding author that writes a lot of crime and thrill novels. This is her second thriller and stand alone book.
Jack is a rich man but he hasn't told this to his new wife Willow. Instead she finds out about it when they come back from their honeymoon. Hard to tell when they are driving up to the mansion they are going to be living in for the rest of their lives. Oh, and Jack has two children that Willow did know about, Ava and Noah from his wife Laura.
Laura died on their Anniversary when she fell overboard off of their yacht the year before. They all figure that it was an accident due to the weather they were having out at sea. There were a lot of people on board that evening and supposedly no one saw anything.
Willow found Laura's diary on her old computer and started reading. She then started asking questions, a lot of questions. She found out that Jack had been married not only to Laura but also to his first wife Caroline. The thing about Jack is he couldn't bare to give any of his deceased wives things away. Laura's room was left exactly the same way everything was the same as when she passed away. Jewelry and clothes everything the same. Then Willow over hears two of the helpers outside talking about her not finding Caroline's things in the loft. Unfortunately they didn't know that she has all of the blue prints for the house and can find anything anywhere new and old.
The more she dug the more dangerous her life became. She didn't realize it but she was getting way to close to the murder.
Just wait until you find out who it is! It will keep you right there on the edge of your seat!
Thank you NetGalley and to Bookoture for the early read! I appreciate it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gripping, thrilling shocking, mysterious and hard to put down! D.K. Hood wowed me once again with His Next Wife! This book proved to be a captivating and fast read which had me turning the pages and trying my best to figure out what was happening currently and what happened in the past. D.K. Hood always manages to keep me on my toes with her wonderful writing, addictive plots, intriguing characters, twists and turns and shocking reveals.
Willow and Jack have a whirlwind relationship and fall over heels in love. They marry fast and when Willow moves into Jack's massive home, she not only learns quite a bit about his late wife but learns that Jack has quite a few secrets. As Willow begins to look high and low for the truth about what happened to Jack's previous wife, she finds that strange things are beginning to happen.
D.K. Hood always delights, and I enjoyed this book and the intriguing plot. I began to suspect whodunit toward the 60% of the book but enjoyed how everything unfolded and enjoyed the reveal. D.K. Hood has proved that she can write stand-alone novels in addition to her addictive and riveting series.
I can't wait to read what she writes next!
*A wonderful buddy read with Bec (becbingesbooks)! Please be sure to read her terrific review as well to get her thoughts on His Next Wife!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Willow and Jack have a whirlwind relationship and fall over heels in love. They marry fast and when Willow moves into Jack's massive home, she not only learns quite a bit about his late wife but learns that Jack has quite a few secrets. As Willow begins to look high and low for the truth about what happened to Jack's previous wife, she finds that strange things are beginning to happen.
D.K. Hood always delights, and I enjoyed this book and the intriguing plot. I began to suspect whodunit toward the 60% of the book but enjoyed how everything unfolded and enjoyed the reveal. D.K. Hood has proved that she can write stand-alone novels in addition to her addictive and riveting series.
I can't wait to read what she writes next!
*A wonderful buddy read with Bec (becbingesbooks)! Please be sure to read her terrific review as well to get her thoughts on His Next Wife!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Willow and Jack Hunter have just returned from their honeymoon. Willow is surprised to find Jack has a Porsche waiting for him to drive as they arrive at the airport. He is very wealthy and she is learning more secrets about him every day. Willow admits she doesn’t know Jack well at all as she’s only been with him for 3 weeks and he’s 12 years older than her. He is a widower with 2 children, Ava 9 and Noah 8. His wife Laura died in an accident at sea 7 sears ago.
When they arrive at his home, she is shocked to find that he lives in a mansion, Beaufort Manor, in Newport not unlike the mansions of Newport’s Gilded Age. The gardener tells her strange things happen in the left wing of the house that scared Laura. There is a lot of staff who don’t seem to acknowledge Willow. But she decides to exert her authority somewhat to change some things that she doesn’t care for.
As Willow tries to figure out the house and the unused rooms on the third floor, she feels like the staff looks at here askance. Jack’s PA, Ruby, is especially condescending to her but Willow stands up to her. At the end of her life, Laura was mentally unwell and Willow has found her diary as she learns some of the woman’s secrets. She takes it upon herself to find out what really happened to Laura. In doing so, Willow puts herself in danger but she doesn’t know of whom she should be afraid.
This was an edge-of-the-seat mystery that had some scary moments. I am sure readers will enjoy it as I did. My only concern is that it was a bit tedious as we tried to get to the end of the book.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
When they arrive at his home, she is shocked to find that he lives in a mansion, Beaufort Manor, in Newport not unlike the mansions of Newport’s Gilded Age. The gardener tells her strange things happen in the left wing of the house that scared Laura. There is a lot of staff who don’t seem to acknowledge Willow. But she decides to exert her authority somewhat to change some things that she doesn’t care for.
As Willow tries to figure out the house and the unused rooms on the third floor, she feels like the staff looks at here askance. Jack’s PA, Ruby, is especially condescending to her but Willow stands up to her. At the end of her life, Laura was mentally unwell and Willow has found her diary as she learns some of the woman’s secrets. She takes it upon herself to find out what really happened to Laura. In doing so, Willow puts herself in danger but she doesn’t know of whom she should be afraid.
This was an edge-of-the-seat mystery that had some scary moments. I am sure readers will enjoy it as I did. My only concern is that it was a bit tedious as we tried to get to the end of the book.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Title: His Next Wife
Author: D. K. Hood
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: January 14, 2026
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pages: 258
The Prologue introduces us to Willow.
When Willow Hunter met her husband Jack his charismatic personality swept her off her feet. They immediately hit it off and were married three weeks later. When she arrives at his beautiful estate ‘Beauford Manor’ she is so impressed. She tells him she wants to walk in the garden before going inside. He tells her he will park his car –a Porche but Bill will be in the garden to show her around.
She looks up at the house and sees someone looking out the second story window -Willow waves. Bill asks her who she is waving at and she tells him. He then says no one is home, the children nine year old Ava and eight year old Noah won’t be home until tomorrow. She questions who the person is and he says the window isn’t a window but only for show. The late Mrs. Hunter claims she saw someone as well and searched the house for that window. Hmmm
As Willow gets settled odd things seem to be happening-with his children as well as the staff. There are rumors about Jack's first wife Laura who died seven years ago.
Chapter one begins seven years ago with Laura.
This was a rather quick read. Although it was good it wasn’t the WOW D.K. Hood I was expecting.
However, I can guarantee you that I am looking forward to her next thriller!!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this uncorrected text copy.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 14, 2026.
Author: D. K. Hood
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: January 14, 2026
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pages: 258
The Prologue introduces us to Willow.
When Willow Hunter met her husband Jack his charismatic personality swept her off her feet. They immediately hit it off and were married three weeks later. When she arrives at his beautiful estate ‘Beauford Manor’ she is so impressed. She tells him she wants to walk in the garden before going inside. He tells her he will park his car –a Porche but Bill will be in the garden to show her around.
She looks up at the house and sees someone looking out the second story window -Willow waves. Bill asks her who she is waving at and she tells him. He then says no one is home, the children nine year old Ava and eight year old Noah won’t be home until tomorrow. She questions who the person is and he says the window isn’t a window but only for show. The late Mrs. Hunter claims she saw someone as well and searched the house for that window. Hmmm
As Willow gets settled odd things seem to be happening-with his children as well as the staff. There are rumors about Jack's first wife Laura who died seven years ago.
Chapter one begins seven years ago with Laura.
This was a rather quick read. Although it was good it wasn’t the WOW D.K. Hood I was expecting.
However, I can guarantee you that I am looking forward to her next thriller!!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this uncorrected text copy.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 14, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
His Next Wife is one of those thrillers that immediately gives you that deliciously uneasy feeling — the kind where you know something is wrong long before the protagonist does, and you can’t look away as the truth slowly unravels.
From the moment the narrator steps into Jack’s imposing old house, the atmosphere is pitch‑perfect: gothic, claustrophobic, and humming with secrets. The fleeting glimpse of a face in the upstairs window sets the tone beautifully, and the discovery of the ex‑wife’s wedding dress in that same room only deepens the sense that this house — and this marriage — is not what it seems.
The tension builds in such a satisfying way. Jack’s charm starts to crack, his absences grow more suspicious, and the narrator’s fixation on the first wife becomes both understandable and unsettling. D.K. Hood does a great job blurring the line between paranoia and danger, making you question whether the threat is real, imagined, or something far more twisted.
The locked‑door reveal is genuinely gripping, and the final act delivers the kind of escalating dread that psychological thriller fans live for. It’s fast‑paced, atmospheric, and full of those little red flags that make you want to shout at the page.
Perfect for readers who enjoy domestic suspense with a gothic edge, His Next Wife is a compulsive, heart‑pounding read that keeps you guessing right up to the final twist.
with thanks to DK Hood, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
From the moment the narrator steps into Jack’s imposing old house, the atmosphere is pitch‑perfect: gothic, claustrophobic, and humming with secrets. The fleeting glimpse of a face in the upstairs window sets the tone beautifully, and the discovery of the ex‑wife’s wedding dress in that same room only deepens the sense that this house — and this marriage — is not what it seems.
The tension builds in such a satisfying way. Jack’s charm starts to crack, his absences grow more suspicious, and the narrator’s fixation on the first wife becomes both understandable and unsettling. D.K. Hood does a great job blurring the line between paranoia and danger, making you question whether the threat is real, imagined, or something far more twisted.
The locked‑door reveal is genuinely gripping, and the final act delivers the kind of escalating dread that psychological thriller fans live for. It’s fast‑paced, atmospheric, and full of those little red flags that make you want to shout at the page.
Perfect for readers who enjoy domestic suspense with a gothic edge, His Next Wife is a compulsive, heart‑pounding read that keeps you guessing right up to the final twist.
with thanks to DK Hood, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dangle the carrot of a mysterious death (that no one wants to talk about), a dark, humongous mansion with many locked doors and whispering staff of the house and this mystery reader fell into it hook, line and sinker.
Jack is full of charm, good looks and a loaded bank account. He had a whirlwind romance with his new wife, Willow. They had a long honeymoon. Now they have arrived at his home, a mansion with its many, many rooms (some of which are locked), its brooding and secretive staff and a disturbing, very large portrait of his last wife. She died in accident seven years ago, but it seems as if she never left. Willow is bored to tears with no way to go anywhere so she becomes obsessed about what happened that fateful night. Her interest has caused more than a little upheaval in the household.
The chilling atmosphere and creepy setting add another layer of mystery and intrigue to this thriller. The more Willow found out about that night, the more I wanted to know. There are secrets lurking in the shadows. Willow may get a little more than she bargained for. I did not trust anyone in this book. I had my suspicions, but I was not completely certain until the final reveal. It was very thought provoking and engrossing in a shivering, goose bumps kind of way.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jack is full of charm, good looks and a loaded bank account. He had a whirlwind romance with his new wife, Willow. They had a long honeymoon. Now they have arrived at his home, a mansion with its many, many rooms (some of which are locked), its brooding and secretive staff and a disturbing, very large portrait of his last wife. She died in accident seven years ago, but it seems as if she never left. Willow is bored to tears with no way to go anywhere so she becomes obsessed about what happened that fateful night. Her interest has caused more than a little upheaval in the household.
The chilling atmosphere and creepy setting add another layer of mystery and intrigue to this thriller. The more Willow found out about that night, the more I wanted to know. There are secrets lurking in the shadows. Willow may get a little more than she bargained for. I did not trust anyone in this book. I had my suspicions, but I was not completely certain until the final reveal. It was very thought provoking and engrossing in a shivering, goose bumps kind of way.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
His Next Wife by D.K. Hood
Pub Date 1/14/26
I wanted to enjoy this one more, and while the story did keep me interested, it ultimately didn’t fully deliver for me. It reminded me a bit of The Housemaid and Verity in its tone and structure. I found myself skimming at times because the same types of conversations and dynamics kept circling back without adding new depth.
I also guessed the twist fairly early on, and while that didn’t stop me from wanting to keep reading, I felt like the story never quite gave me enough insight into the underlying elements that were teased throughout. There were references to important plot threads that, in my opinion, could have benefited from more development or even flashbacks to flesh them out. I also wished the ending felt a bit more satisfying and conclusive instead of coming across as somewhat abrupt.
That said, it did hold my attention and moved quickly enough that I kept reading to find out what happened. If you enjoy domestic thriller vibes and are okay with predictability and repetition, this will still be a fun read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
His Next Wife by D.K. Hood
Pub Date 1/14/26
I wanted to enjoy this one more, and while the story did keep me interested, it ultimately didn’t fully deliver for me. It reminded me a bit of The Housemaid and Verity in its tone and structure. I found myself skimming at times because the same types of conversations and dynamics kept circling back without adding new depth.
I also guessed the twist fairly early on, and while that didn’t stop me from wanting to keep reading, I felt like the story never quite gave me enough insight into the underlying elements that were teased throughout. There were references to important plot threads that, in my opinion, could have benefited from more development or even flashbacks to flesh them out. I also wished the ending felt a bit more satisfying and conclusive instead of coming across as somewhat abrupt.
That said, it did hold my attention and moved quickly enough that I kept reading to find out what happened. If you enjoy domestic thriller vibes and are okay with predictability and repetition, this will still be a fun read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars rounded up
Handsome and charming, Jack swept me off my feet when we met, and now we're married and I'm moving into his imposing old house. I'm bursting with excitement until I see a face staring down at me from an upstairs window. Before I can wave, the face vanishes from view. Jack says nobody else was home, so who is hiding in the shadows?
Willow has just married Jack after a whirlwind romance. Jack has been married before, but his wife, Laura, died seven years ago, they had two children together. When Willow finds Laura's diary, she's certain there was more to Laura's death, in fact, Willow thinks Laura was murdered. Was her new husband Jack a killer?
The pace is slow throughout and I disliked that Jack spoke about Laura all the time. There also was a lot of repetition, but the story was good. The story is told over a dual timeline that's told in the past and present day format. I did enjoy this standalone novel.
Published 14th January 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #bookouture and the author #DKHood for my ARC of #HisNextWife in exchange for an honest review.
Handsome and charming, Jack swept me off my feet when we met, and now we're married and I'm moving into his imposing old house. I'm bursting with excitement until I see a face staring down at me from an upstairs window. Before I can wave, the face vanishes from view. Jack says nobody else was home, so who is hiding in the shadows?
Willow has just married Jack after a whirlwind romance. Jack has been married before, but his wife, Laura, died seven years ago, they had two children together. When Willow finds Laura's diary, she's certain there was more to Laura's death, in fact, Willow thinks Laura was murdered. Was her new husband Jack a killer?
The pace is slow throughout and I disliked that Jack spoke about Laura all the time. There also was a lot of repetition, but the story was good. The story is told over a dual timeline that's told in the past and present day format. I did enjoy this standalone novel.
Published 14th January 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #bookouture and the author #DKHood for my ARC of #HisNextWife in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This was a fast-paced read with short, tight chapters. When Willow married Jack, she thought she won the lottery of husbands: wealthy, charismatic, nice, devoted, and capable. But strange things began happening when she moved into Jack's enormous estate that not just housed herself, Jack, and her step children, but also a full staff. Rumors about Jack's first wife, Laura's, death plagued her. Unexplained phenomena in the house slowly gnawed at Willow's sanity. Things took a eerie turn as Willow found remnants of Laura all over the house that suggest her death was not accidental. Meanwhile, Jack became more and more distant. It wasn't long before Willow felt like she was fighting for her survival in a house filled with people she didn't feel she could trust. Who killed Laura? Was Willow living with Laura's killer? Or worse, was she sharing the same bed as him?
The writing style is reminiscent of Freida McFadden. The story was easy to read but not quite immersive. Willow sounded younger than her age and there weren't very much character development.
Thank you so much DK Hood, Bookouture, NetGalley for this ARC!
This was a fast-paced read with short, tight chapters. When Willow married Jack, she thought she won the lottery of husbands: wealthy, charismatic, nice, devoted, and capable. But strange things began happening when she moved into Jack's enormous estate that not just housed herself, Jack, and her step children, but also a full staff. Rumors about Jack's first wife, Laura's, death plagued her. Unexplained phenomena in the house slowly gnawed at Willow's sanity. Things took a eerie turn as Willow found remnants of Laura all over the house that suggest her death was not accidental. Meanwhile, Jack became more and more distant. It wasn't long before Willow felt like she was fighting for her survival in a house filled with people she didn't feel she could trust. Who killed Laura? Was Willow living with Laura's killer? Or worse, was she sharing the same bed as him?
The writing style is reminiscent of Freida McFadden. The story was easy to read but not quite immersive. Willow sounded younger than her age and there weren't very much character development.
Thank you so much DK Hood, Bookouture, NetGalley for this ARC!
January 4, 2026
Willow moves into Beauford Manor after a whirlwind romance and marriage to real estate mogul Jack Hunter. Things are weird right from the get-go. Jack’s previous wife Laura died seven years ago, so why won’t he shut up about her? Why is her portrait still hanging at the top of the stairs? How many times is he going to compare Willow to her when the two of them are nothing alike? And what’s the point of living in this huge mansion when parts of it are locked up and unused?
As Willow starts to ask questions and explore the estate, things just become even more unclear. She’s hearing voices, misplacing items, and feels like she’s being watched by some unseen presence. The whole thing was giving Rebecca vibes with a touch of Verity, and I was here for it. I literally COULD NOT put this book down! The twists had me picking my jaw up off the floor again and again! Five stars!
As Willow starts to ask questions and explore the estate, things just become even more unclear. She’s hearing voices, misplacing items, and feels like she’s being watched by some unseen presence. The whole thing was giving Rebecca vibes with a touch of Verity, and I was here for it. I literally COULD NOT put this book down! The twists had me picking my jaw up off the floor again and again! Five stars!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a great psychological thriller.
Willow falls for Jack straight away and soon they are married. When he takes her to his home, she’s surprised to see it’s actually a mansion.
Jack didn’t tell Willow how well off he was so it all comes as a bit of a shock to meet those people he employs to cook, clean and care for his children.
The biggest shock comes when Willow comes face to face with a massive portrait of his dead wife, Laura, and it definitely gives her the creeps.
Willow soon realises that Laura has left her mark in this property and is intrigued about how she died.
As she starts to ask questions and explore the off limits rooms, it’s clear that the staff don’t like her doing this.
Willow knows someone knows exactly how Laura died and she is determined to find out if her own life is in danger too.
This is a great read.
Thanks to Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.
Willow falls for Jack straight away and soon they are married. When he takes her to his home, she’s surprised to see it’s actually a mansion.
Jack didn’t tell Willow how well off he was so it all comes as a bit of a shock to meet those people he employs to cook, clean and care for his children.
The biggest shock comes when Willow comes face to face with a massive portrait of his dead wife, Laura, and it definitely gives her the creeps.
Willow soon realises that Laura has left her mark in this property and is intrigued about how she died.
As she starts to ask questions and explore the off limits rooms, it’s clear that the staff don’t like her doing this.
Willow knows someone knows exactly how Laura died and she is determined to find out if her own life is in danger too.
This is a great read.
Thanks to Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.
December 28, 2025
Willow is swept off her feet by Jack. A whirlwind romance leads a wedding. However, she can’t seem to shake his ex-wife. Though she passed away some years ago she’s still there at every turn.
This story is told over a duel timeline. There are layers of mystery from the outset and I found myself needing to know what was in the room on the first floor. This book reminded me of another book I have read. But this read is modern day as opposed to Victorian gothic. I felt for Willow and the position she had stepped into. This story gave me pretty woman vibes and I loved that about it! However, I did find the story repetitive at times and I felt the main character came across really young. But despite this the story was enjoyable and I flew through it.
This story is told over a duel timeline. There are layers of mystery from the outset and I found myself needing to know what was in the room on the first floor. This book reminded me of another book I have read. But this read is modern day as opposed to Victorian gothic. I felt for Willow and the position she had stepped into. This story gave me pretty woman vibes and I loved that about it! However, I did find the story repetitive at times and I felt the main character came across really young. But despite this the story was enjoyable and I flew through it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
His Next Wife was a dark and twisty suspense drama. It was a quick read that held my attention throughout.
Willow and Jack marry after a short dating period. Upon moving into Jack's large estate, Willow is greeted with a shrine to his previous wife, Laura. She knows Laura died in a boating accident years ago, but the more stories she hears about her, the more curious Willow becomes. The deeper she digs, the more confused she becomes. Was it really an accident or did someone have a reason for wanting Laura gone and is Willow next on the list?
I enjoyed the premise of this story and it kept me guessing. The chapters were short and concise and the writing flowed seamlessly. This was a good psychological domestic drama.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy
Willow and Jack marry after a short dating period. Upon moving into Jack's large estate, Willow is greeted with a shrine to his previous wife, Laura. She knows Laura died in a boating accident years ago, but the more stories she hears about her, the more curious Willow becomes. The deeper she digs, the more confused she becomes. Was it really an accident or did someone have a reason for wanting Laura gone and is Willow next on the list?
I enjoyed the premise of this story and it kept me guessing. The chapters were short and concise and the writing flowed seamlessly. This was a good psychological domestic drama.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love this book I just couldn’t stop reading it his next wife I knew during the middle of the book kinda who did it I think maybe because I watch too many thrillers. But total twist at the end! I also like that his next wife didnt die like his others. Sad to know that you can’t trust people who work for you because they end up not being that trusting. I like how she found the old wife’s diary and was going through the story and what happened before she died. Also the face in the window at the beginning of the story really freaked me out! I wanted to know more about the room that was sealed off in the house I liked that mystery of the book. I think jack and his new wife were really well together sad what happened to his old wife. I loved the book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 Stars
This is another stand-alone psychological thriller by D.K Hood.
Willow, married for love. But Jack has secrets. Just back from their honeymoon, the secrets start to come out and strange things happen in the home.
Jack has two children, Ava and Noah who take to Willow instantly as a mother figure, their own mother only recently being declared dead after going missing overboard and vanishing 7 years earlier.
Gaslighting, a sense of isolations, it is difficult for Willow to know who to trust or what to believe, especially as she discovers more of what was happening to Laura ahead of her death.
The story drew me in and there were a few interesting twists; however, I did easily guess who was behind everything and the reason behind it.
This is another stand-alone psychological thriller by D.K Hood.
Willow, married for love. But Jack has secrets. Just back from their honeymoon, the secrets start to come out and strange things happen in the home.
Jack has two children, Ava and Noah who take to Willow instantly as a mother figure, their own mother only recently being declared dead after going missing overboard and vanishing 7 years earlier.
Gaslighting, a sense of isolations, it is difficult for Willow to know who to trust or what to believe, especially as she discovers more of what was happening to Laura ahead of her death.
The story drew me in and there were a few interesting twists; however, I did easily guess who was behind everything and the reason behind it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another great thriller from this author. This time we meet Willow a young woman who has just married the man of her dreams but after a whirlwind courtship she is in for a big surprise when she moves into his home and finds out he is a millionaire with the ghost of his ex wife haunting her every move in a house that is cold and scary. As she tries to get to the bottom of his first wife’s tragic death she starts to worry that she is in danger to. Can she trust a man she hardly knows and is this life too perfect to be real. Exciting, dark and a great read.
December 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
*His Next Wife* by D.K. Hood was an entertaining, fast-paced read that kept the pages turning. The story pulls you in quickly and maintains a steady sense of tension throughout. While the main twist was slightly predictable, the author did a good job of making me doubt myself at times, which kept the suspense engaging. Overall, it’s a solid thriller that fans of the genre will enjoy for its pace and atmosphere.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*His Next Wife* by D.K. Hood was an entertaining, fast-paced read that kept the pages turning. The story pulls you in quickly and maintains a steady sense of tension throughout. While the main twist was slightly predictable, the author did a good job of making me doubt myself at times, which kept the suspense engaging. Overall, it’s a solid thriller that fans of the genre will enjoy for its pace and atmosphere.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was so good. I found myself staying up late, racing through it to find out what in the world was happening. Then the ending happened. It was so rushed and silly that it just wasn't satisfying at all. I think there were so many places the author could have taken this book, and I just expected so much more. I do enjoy this author and love her Beth Katz series, but this book was a real letdown to me.
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture, and D. K. Hood for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture, and D. K. Hood for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
His Next Wife by D. K. Hood. A stand alone psychological thriller from DK Hood. The pacing is a bit slow Told from the perspective of Willow, Jack's new wife and diary entries from his first wife, Laura. There are events that are never explained and the ending was rushed and, for the most part, unbelievable. Not a favorite read from Ms Hood.
Thank you to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Thank you to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
December 22, 2025
DK Hood always writes a good story, and this is no exception.
It is a gripping, twisty psychological thriller.
I just couldn't understand Jack keeping his past secret from Willow. If I were in her place, I would be suspicious and would certainly turn and run.
An unputdownable, addictive "just one more chapter" book.
What more could a reader want?
It is a gripping, twisty psychological thriller.
I just couldn't understand Jack keeping his past secret from Willow. If I were in her place, I would be suspicious and would certainly turn and run.
An unputdownable, addictive "just one more chapter" book.
What more could a reader want?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a fast-paced read. I suspected the husband...then the staff...then the husband AND the staff. I enjoyed piecing things together with the back and forth storyline of the current time and 7 years ago with Jack's past wife Laura. I felt like the ending was very abrupt and predictable though and left some things unanswered.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the advanced copy!
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is my first stand alone psychological thriller from DK Hood. I enjoyed it, it was twisty and fast paced and had me changing my mind all the way through. I was totally engrossed finding it hard to put down. I did however find the ending to be a bit predictable and abrupt which was a shame but overall the book was great. Recommend this author!
December 31, 2025
Billed as an absolutely gripping and truly addictive psychological thriller, I was eager to get my teeth into His Next Wife, the latest offering from DK Hood. This book was engaging, drew me in from the start and had plenty of twists to keep me guessing. It’s tense and gripping and I can highly recommend it. Thank you yo NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.
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