2.5 stars
Don't be fooled by the colourful, fun cover, this book is dark. Which would usually be right up my street (murder, dark humour, female protagonists) but this never really worked for me. And the main reason I think was the characters.
I didn't like the main character Sally and found her and the rest of them annoying and irritating. There are no likeable male characters in this (on purpose) but it came across as if the message was all men are bad.
There was meant to be black humour in this, but I never saw any evidence of that.
Another reason I struggled to enjoy this was the near constant mentions about Covid, self isolating, distancing etc, it felt unnecessary for it keep being mentioned on nearly every page.
I was hoping this would be packed full of good for her energy, but as I didn't take to the characters, I couldn't care less about what happened to them. It also felt slightly unbelievable that all these women on the same street all killed their husbands in the same week.
It was clear the whole point of this book was to raise awareness about domestic violence, whilst that is an admirable thing, this didn't work as a novel for me.

One of the best books I have read this year!

This book covered so much and in such a brilliant way. Be prepared to cry and laugh along with these truly inspirational characters.
I felt humbled to read their storylines and to look back at the covid pandemic in such a way. Highly recommend!

Okay so. Here’s the thing. I have been avoiding reading books set during the Covid lockdown for the last three years. A week ago, thanks to NetGalley and Viking who have provided me with a DRC, I picked up “The best way to bury your husband”, by Alexia Casale. I really, really, enjoyed this book. I found it a very needed (and, unfortunately, realistic) depiction of domestic violence during lockdown, that forced me to reflect. Yet, it made me laugh out loud so, so much.

Before sharing my thoughts, some (obvious, given these first four lines) trigger warnings: domestic violence, coronavirus, death of a family member. If any of these topics is triggering for you, maybe give the book and this review a skip.

The story follows Sally, a woman who, right there at page one, has killed her abusive husband. She really wants to turn herself in to the police, but the more she thinks about it, the more she realises that maybe, just maybe, the last twenty years of her life have been a sort of ‘pre-punishment’. So, she decides to get rid of the body, as one does. (Quite literally) on the way, she will meet other women looking for a quick and safe body disposal location. A beautiful friendship, and an odd support group, are born.

As I have already said, I have really, really enjoyed this book. I liked how it treated domestic violence and how lockdown impacted the life of victims of domestic violence. It did not condone, nor trivialise, violence. It is not a “he had it coming” sort of book. The four protagonists, who are without any doubt murderers, all try to find a way to cope with the consequences of their actions and to atone for it. I also really liked how it treated the experience of victims of domestic violence. There are some scenes, especially when the women are remembering their life with their husbands, that hit quite hard. But the author holds these moments so tenderly and cushions them between empathy and humour, making the theme of the book approachable. Approachable but still, let’s face it, very, very, enraging.

I would warmly recommend people to pick up this book. I found it an educational and fun read, and would be so happy if other people picked it up and we could talk about it!

You never know what goes on behind closed doors and in a relationship. Spousal abuse applies to all parts of society and is not always physical abuse.
Lockdown means that the women were trapped behind closed doors with their abusers.
The actions they take and plan make a very entertaining read BUT the abuse is and was real for a lot of people.
It's not always possible to walk away, housing, financial and family can all seem insurmountable obstacles.
Drastic action makes you think.

In "The Best Way to Bury Your Husband," Alexia Casale delicately weaves a narrative that explores the gravity of domestic violence during the pandemic. Despite the weight of the subject matter, the author masterfully balances the tone by infusing appropriate humor that serves as a counterpoint to the seriousness of the issues at hand.

Throughout the book, the reader is confronted with the stark reality of the challenges faced by the characters, primarily women, as they grapple with abusive relationships. The pandemic backdrop intensifies their struggles, amplifying feelings of isolation and desperation. However, amidst the darkness, Casale skillfully introduces moments of levity, allowing readers to find solace and connection with the characters.

One striking aspect is the overwhelming sense of hope that permeates the narrative. The women in the story, despite their harrowing experiences, hold onto the belief that there is a possibility of a better life beyond the shadows of abuse. This optimism becomes a driving force, propelling the characters forward in their journey towards liberation.

Nevertheless, the pervasive themes of guilt and fear linger throughout the narrative. The women acknowledge the wrongfulness of their actions, resorting to extreme measures to escape the clutches of their abusive partners. The complexity of their emotions adds depth to the storyline, highlighting the internal conflicts that arise when individuals are forced to make life-altering decisions for self-preservation.

In the end, "The Best Way to Bury Your Husband" serves as a poignant exploration of the intricacies surrounding domestic violence, particularly during the challenging times of a global pandemic. Casale's ability to seamlessly blend humor with the gravity of the subject matter creates a narrative that resonates with readers, fostering empathy and understanding for those facing similar struggles. The book leaves a lasting impression, urging readers to reflect on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Set during the covid lockdown, this novel offers a stark yet humourous look into the reality of living with domestic violence while being just fantastical enough to make even a string of murders and dismemberments seem completely permissible. Casale's writing flows, sparkling with wit, her protagonists treated with such tenderness as they claw their way out from the shadow of the abusive men in their lives to find friendship, freedom, and their own voices, that it is difficult to put this book down until it is finished.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an arc of 'The Best Way to Bury Your Husband'. Alexia Casale has written a deliciously dark and at times laugh out loud funny book about the very real and very unfunny topic of domestic violence towards women. Set in the not too distant past during the uncertainty of Covid lockdown we meet Sally who has just caved her abusive husband's head in with her grandmother's skillet. What follows is a mystery thriller and a story of kinship and friendship that I highly recommend. I would love to see this made into a film or mini-series.

If you’d have taken my blood pressure and heart rate at any point whilst I was reading The Best Way to Bury Your Husband, you’d have sent me straight to A&E.

Trigger Warning: strong themes of domestic abuse / violence, murder, and corpse disposal!

The author has tackled an incredibly challenging topic through the story of four women and their struggle with with violent, abusive husband’s and the entirely improbable (impossible?) scenario they find themselves in after being locked-in with said spouses during the Covid Lockdown of 2020.

The entire plot is quite convoluted, but I think that’s the point; this isn’t what would happen in real life. In fact, in reality the outcome would be (or, is) flipped on its head.

I’ve genuinely never read a book that’s given me such anxiety whilst simultaneously making me chuckle.

Fans of How to Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie and How to Kill Men and Get Away with It by Katy Brent will certainly enjoy this book. Though, I think this one cuts deeper!

Overall I think this is a very well written piece of contemporary fiction and I predict that it will be very popular once it’s been released.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Sally loses it when her villant husband attacks her again and kills him when she hits him with her grandmother's skillet.
She then by chance meets up with 3 other women who have killed their abusive husband.
Sally then forms the group for the best way to bury your husbands.
What a book. It made me chuckle at time. A great read, I almost didn't wan5 8t to end.

3.75 stars overall

This book was good - it’s a great and important premise. We follow Sally as she finally takes a stand against her husband in lockdown, refusing to continue to be hurt by him. Sally finds help with unexpected friends, and quite frankly her excessive nosiness saves her a few times.

The beginning 2/3 really hooked me, but all the rumination towards the end grew a little tedious. The ending is good (though predicted, but in the context of this story I was happy to be right).

So overall if this book sounds like your cup of tea I would give it a go.

Dark humour at it’s best! This book made me laugh out loud in places. Some very sad moments too and really shows relationship strains in lockdown. Really good read. #TheBestWayToBuryYourHusband ##AlexiaCasale @netgalley

Really enjoyed this book. Unlike anything I’ve ever read and probably will ever read. Loved the pandemic timing and use of actual events- highlighting domestic violence (if only the solution in the book could’ve happened in reality for many) the female leads were well structured and I actually cared about their story and lives.
Very refreshing that a story that has domestic violence at its core is without a doubt a women’s story of triumph, strength and unity.

Whilst I enjoyed the satirical twist to this book and how it is a unique way of raising awareness of domestic violence, it felt like the author was trying to squeeze in as many scenarios as possible which just took something away from the story for me.

It became a little difficult to remain excited and I began to lose interest a little. Overall it was a good book and really highlighted the impact Covid had on domestic violence and introduced some light humour with an over arcing message of coming through the storm and finding your happiness.

What a book this was - I enjoyed it immensely! Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Despite a serious and true underlying topic which was prevalent during the Covid pandemic/lockdown and which sadly continues today, the book is full of dark humour and had me chuckling in parts at the unbelievable storyline and the problems the female characters of this book face because of their husbands.

With themes of domestic violence, the uncertainties of the pandemic, the power of female friendships and the safe, secure disposal of human bodies, this was a great read!

Well-written, had me gripped and was easy to read through to the end. A huge five stars from me!

In The best way to bury your husband, a circle of women form a powerful bond as they unite to conceal their actions, having had to protect themselves by killing their abusive husbands during the Covid pandemic lockdown. I have to admit that it felt wrong to find enjoyment in a book with such a serious topic!
Ensure you read the author's note at the end as it provides a thought-provoking and insightful addition to the book.
A highly recommended dark comedy

On the whole I enjoyed this book. I did however at times find myself a little lost as to what was happening, especially when there was a change of perspective. Once the book progressed and all characters were introduced fully I found it flowed easier. I most certainly did not expect the ending though!

I have been really looking forward to reading ‘The best way to bury your husband’
I must admit, I avoid all books that even utter the word ‘Covid’ but this was a fun while pretty serious read.
Tackling the tough reality of domestic violence during lockdown, but in an almost comical way ( in know way making light of dv)
We meet a group of women, who murder their violent husbands rather than be killed themselves. They somehow all come together and become friends who together plan how to bury their husbands and stay out of prison. You definitely feel for these women, and it really makes you realise the devastating realities lockdown had on women with abusive partners.
The plot is unrealistic which is what makes it comical, this was really well done!
highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you enjoy dark humour then you will love this book. While it was fun to read, it also shone a very important and thought-provoking spotlight on domestic violence. It felt strange to enjoy a book with such a heavy theme, but that is a massive credit to the author. I loved the friendships that developed and were rekindled throughout the story, and the twist at the end had me smiling.

When I read the following: “ Together, fuelled by righteous anger but tempered by a moral core, the four women must help each other work out a plan to get rid of their husbands for good……Friendship and laughter really are the best medicine—and so is getting away with murder.” I knew this book would resonate with me in more ways than one. The author is also known for her work regarding human rights & the effects of DV by men on women - a topic that is sensitive but with this novel we get to see how the women become strong for each other, as well as themselves. I’ll be hoping to read more from Dr Alexia :)

Probably my fault for choosing this book, but I didn’t like the storyline or the subject matter. The author obviously has an in depth knowledge of her subject as demonstrated in the author’s notes and I wouldn’t want to dissuade anyone from reading the book simply because of my incorrect choice of book