Her first adult fiction tale, author Alexia Casale’s The Best Way to Bury Your Husband is a tongue-in-cheek, black humour crime novel. Four women, Sally, Janey, Ruth and Samira formed a gardening club during lockdown, after discovering that they each have a problem – a body to get rid of. The narrative is a mixture of surprises and hilarity as they try to figure out a plan that will explain the disappearance of all their husbands. A warning that the topic may trigger some readers, but its light feel makes for an enjoyable read and is part of the author’s intention to farcically portray a critical issue. Overall, it’s a wickedly clever way to get people thinking about the sensitivity underpinning the message of this implausible story. A truly engaging and highly enjoyable romp of a book that is a must read five stars read rating. With thanks to Penguin General UK and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without inducement.

The Best Way To Bury Your Husband is the fourth novel, and the first adult fiction, by British-American editor and author, Alexia Casale. A few months into the first COVID Lockdown, and Sally is googling “How… to… dispose… of… a… dead… deer”. Not because she has a dead deer. No, it’s her husband Jim, whacked in self-defence with her grandma’s skillet, that she has to get rid of.

After she left him on the kitchen floor overnight while she lunched on cake, dined on ice cream, luxuriated in a bubble bath with wine and crisps, and had her best night’s sleep in years, it really is too late to call the police with a credible story. And anyway, going to prison for killing this toxic man would leave her children, adults, yes, but still needing her, on their own.

So, a trip to the DIY store where she notes a teen in a hijab also has in her trolley cat litter, a tarpaulin, rope and gaffer tape. Back home, she makes a neat husband-parcel, then puzzles over how to dispose of it and, eventually realises she will also need a plausible cover story for his disappearance. Her first list, her Get Rid of Jim list, is woefully lacking in steps and ideas; her Be Happy list (now that she is finally free) is quite a lot longer.

Her outings monitored by Edwina, the neighbour opposite who is the COVID regulations inspector, Sally sneaks out the back gate at night in Jim’s coat to walk in search of inspiration, and on one of these walks, she stumbles on Ruth, sobbing in her backyard. Sally instantly recognises Ruth as another victim, so when she later finds her there, trying to light a fire, out of which pokes an arm, she offers sympathy, support, understanding and practical help. Two women with the same problem: will two heads be better than one?

How Sally and Ruth are joined by Samira and her seventeen-year-old daughter, Leila and, later, by Sally’s one-time best friend, Janey, only stretches the disbelief a little. After all, it’s Lockdown, when things get bizarrely extreme. Together, as the Lockdown Ladies’ Burial Club, they tackle the practicalities of getting rid of four bodies, overcoming obstacles and reminding one another not to google certain things.

Casale deftly portrays the insidious way in which women end up trapped in a marriage with a toxic partner, and shows how, in certain situations, women who have suffered years of serious abuse can sometimes see no other way out.

As a specialist human rights non-fiction editor for more than twelve years, her comprehensive knowledge in the area of domestic violence gives the story authenticity, while the black humour relieves the tension, making it so very readable. This is not a book to read in the quiet carriage on public transport, or while eating or drinking, or if you have continence issues, as sudden laughing out loud is a guaranteed reaction to much of the dialogue and situation.

It’s true that the premise of the story wouldn’t work were the country not in Lockdown, but that does draw on the reality, the statistic that domestic violence increased exponentially during Lockdown while the femicide rate doubled, and it presents the unique set of circumstances that allow the plot to succeed so well. A topical, blackly funny, moving and thought-provoking read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Penguin General UK.

There's a lot of food for thought in this book about solidarity, friendship and the common goal to remove their abusive partner and get away with it.
Poignant, darkly humorous, thought provoking, and well plotted.
Great characters and excellent storytelling.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A enjoyable read. Twists and turns kept me reading till the end. Written well and easy to follow. Would recommend

I liked the idea of this and the initial set up but found this didn't really work for me the more i continued in the novel. The writing was fine and i liked how it was plotted out but i think that it needed more editing to pull out the best story for it. I liked the way the characters were presented but they felt a little flat for me. I feel like the author has the basic idea down well but it just needed more finessing to make it work fully.

This is a very necessary book. The topics it covers are literally life and death for so many women. The backstories of all women involved are sensitively written, and therefore affecting and deeply saddening because you know they’re influenced by real stories. I loved the multi-narrator approach to the novel, particularly the slow reveal of one woman: when the penny drops who is narrating, it’s both tense and sad.

Framed as a tragicomedy, I’m not sure if the ‘comedy’ side really comes through (I wasn’t laughing during this book). I guess the writer is implying it’s ‘laughable’ to consider 5 women in one week killing their husbands when all the data we have shows the stark reality of violence against women and girls (particularly at the hands of partners and ex-partners).

Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

<i>dnf'ed. This was a really nice book, with such an interesting premise. But the book wasn't for me and i relly struggling to get into it. Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Books Ltd & Alexia Casale for sending this eARC for review. All opinions are my own.
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This book is about killing your abusive husband, with a comedic twist

I loved seeing the characters bond and share their experiences, as well as getting rid of some corpses!

The premise of this book really intrigued me but unfortunately I’m really struggling with it. I’ve been reading it for weeks but I still haven’t hit the 50% mark. I don’t know if I’m just not in the mood for this genre or if I need a more fast paced book so I’m DNFing for now and will come back to it later. I’ll update my review with my proper thoughts when I do finish it.

I’ll be leaving a neutral rating of 3⭐️ for now.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm slightly conflicted about this book as I think it's brilliant that some light is being shed on a huge social problem and there certainly isn't enough literature out there, let alone from someone as informed and knowledgeable as Alexia Casale. The way domestic violence and the long lasting effects of abuse as well as the victim mentality are all portrayed with great mastery and I think that someone who has found themselves in a similar situation, would say that it all feels quite realistic, it definitely felt that way for me as a reader. The only slight hesitation I have is that I found the 'dark comedy' element of the book to fall a bit flat. I didn't find the dialog to be particularly engaging or the jokes to be 'on point' but that could very well be personal taste. My takeaway is that it might not be 100% my cup of tea, but it still makes for an interesting read and I was very keen to finish it and find out if the ladies managed to get away with it or not. It would make a great book club choice for sure!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy, all opinions are my own.

Great humour, great characterisation. It's a solid 5 stars from me. The story flowed easily and was quickly devoured. The author touches upon some dark subjects but the dark humour shines through.

I loved this! As a survivor of dv this was tough but such an insightful truthful and informative read I was lucky to have got out of my relationship before the pandemic so reading this made me feel extremely lucky I didn’t want anything bad to come to the women throughout although they had committed a crime I felt the whole time why they did what they did and loved how they all came together to kind of protect and find themselves again I will definitely read again it was funny but also extremely well written amazing story!

I was so excited for this book! I love a good revenge story, but sadly it lacked in the revenge department. It has some seriously funny moments, but the story dragged so much, I felt like a lot of time was wasted of just describing what happened.

Although I really liked the premise for this book, and I love how it spotlights violence against women (especially the spike during COVID) I didn't find the book compelling enough. It had some darkly funny moments, but it dragged on for the most part.

I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced, I flew through it. Focusing on an important topics such as domestic violence and how we were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, this book takes place during lockdown.
Although this book touches of delicate topics, I think the author took time and consideration to make sure to highlight this topic, whilst making the book fun and enjoyable to read. Throughout the book, we see the friendships formed between these women, with themes of hope and second chances which also adds depth to the story.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin General UK for a copy of this book!

Don‘t attempt this at home
Even though there was some dark humour in this tale about four women who murdered their husbands during the pandemic lockdowns, each after having suffered long years of their abuse, reading this book did not spark any pleasure in me - too close to home, probably.

Alexia Casale's The Best Way to Bury Your Husband is a darkly humorous take on the harrowing reality of domestic abuse. The story revolves around four women who find themselves unintentionally involved in the demise of their abusive husbands and the subsequent cover-up.

While initially feeling conflicted about finding amusement in such a serious topic, I was drawn into the story by its light-hearted tone and focus on the strong bonds of friendship among the women. Sally and her companions, particularly the endearing Edna, became characters I rooted for wholeheartedly, eagerly hoping for their success.

Despite the comedic elements, the novel doesn't shy away from the gravity of domestic abuse, skillfully balancing humour with moments of genuine emotion and suspense. Casale's adept handling of such a delicate subject matter is commendable, as she manages to entertain while also fostering awareness and empathy for a pressing societal issue.

Overall, 'The Best Way to Bury Your Husband' is a testament to the author's talent in tackling complex themes with both wit and sensitivity. The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no significant gaps between words and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book. A star has been deducted because of this.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

It’s the beginning of the Covid lockdowns and domestic violence and abuse is on the rise.of the author. Its in this climate, that four women murdered their husbands after years of abuse - accidental or deliberate acts they all now have one problem how to dispose of the bodies, and continue with their lives for the sake of their children. This book is a dark story of despair, but also how female friendship can bring people together, especially when they have a common link. The women are marvellous characters and I have to admit I wish that Edwina would be my friend in a crisis. There are some absurd moments of dark humour, but on the whole, I found this book lacking in comedy due to the dark, subject matter. I hope that it finds a wider audience as this subject needs to be more in our consciousness. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this novel in return for an honest review

4.5 ⭐️

I really enjoyed this and raced through it. It focuses on an important topic (domestic violence) and is set in the Covid lockdown. I think it worked really well and was very funny, despite the seriousness of the topic. The friendship that formed between the women was also wonderful to see come to life throughout the story. I’d really recommend this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

A dark comedy about 4 women who kill their abusive husbands during lockdown. I like the way the narrative is set out in the first third or so of the book, introducing the characters one by one. Each family is well written & thoughtfully & realistically constructed. I feel the second half of the novel to be very far fetched though & it didn't quite feel it lived up to the promise of the first half. An enjoyable read though & it highlighted well the proportion of women who experience domestic violence & how that only got worse during lockdown.