“He was the world’s worst best friend. He was also the world’s worst husband.” I really enjoy Daniel Hursts writing so when I received this ARC copy of The Husband I was so excited. Unfortunately, it fell a bit short for me. It was fast paced and had me turning the pages but it felt very unrealistic in a way. I still think it’s worth the read though when it comes out on January 20, 2025. I would like to thank Daniel Hurst and NetGalley for my ARC copy.

Thank you so much to the publisher and to Netgalley for this eARC!!

This was such a fast paced read and I found myself having a very hard time putting the book down! I really enjoyed this book!! And I DID NOT SEE THE ENDING COMING!! 😱

Ok this book is definitely a MUST READ!! I was not expecting the twists and turns in this book 10/10 Recommend!!

Yet another fantastic story by this author, he never disappoints. I was engrossed from the first page and hanging on to every word until the end. This author has the ability to draw you in from the beginning and keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. Huge 5 stars.

Jenny’s cozy family evenings take turn when she and daughter, Bonnie, tune into a true crime documentary about a young girl’s unsolved murder in Scotland. As the chilling details unfold, Jenny notices her husband, Lachlan, reacting rather oddly—sweaty palms, anyone? With the story hitting so close to home (literally, Lachlan’s hometown!), Jenny’s curiosity morphs into a full-on investigation, leading her down a rabbit hole of secrets that could put her family in a precarious position.

The novel kicks off with a gripping prologue that spills some major tea right away, setting a suspenseful tone.

The dual perspectives let us peek into both Jenny’s and Lachlan’s minds. Jenny’s obliviousness to Lachlan’s glaringly obvious guilt was exasperating. Meanwhile Lachlan’s over-the-top reactions made it pretty obvious he was as guilty as sin! Not gonna lie, I found it hard to root for either of them.

While the first half has a bit of déjà vu with repetitive thoughts and conversations, the latter part ramps up the action, making it a real page-turner.

However, knowing the big secret early on does dial down the mystery, making the ending somewhat predictable.

Despite these quirks, it’s a breezy read with a small cast, perfect for a quick read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookotoure for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review

3.75 rounded up. Obviously, judging by the title, you can tell the focus of this book. Can you imagine being married to someone, with two almost adult aged children & finding out he is a murderer? Just don't reject him and you'll be just fine. I really enjoyed the premise of this book. Sharing a bed with someone who has a secret passion for murdering women wo reject him? Scary. However, I would have loved to get to know "the husband" a little bit more & see some more questionable behavior from him. However, my question now is, was his revenge seeking behavior passed onto his son? Hmmmmm...

The Husband by Daniel Hurst

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Daniel Hurst delivers another edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller with The Husband, a story that plunges deep into the murky waters of trust, deception, and fear. From the very first page, Hurst expertly cultivates a chilling atmosphere that leaves readers questioning not just the characters but their own instincts.

The story follows the seemingly idyllic life of the protagonist, married to her doting husband Lachlan for over two decades. Their picture-perfect life begins to unravel when a whisper of suspicion leads her down a dark and twisted path. Could the man she’s built her world around truly be a killer? Or is the truth even more insidious than it appears?

Hurst excels at crafting complex characters, and the protagonist’s emotional journey is as gripping as the plot itself. The growing tension between her love for her husband and her fear of what he might be hiding is palpable, drawing readers into her internal struggle. Lachlan is equally enigmatic, with layers of charm, anger, and secrecy that make him an unforgettable character.

The setting, particularly the remote Scottish Highlands, adds a foreboding backdrop to the story, amplifying the suspense as the protagonist confronts the ghosts of Lachlan’s past. As secrets come to light, the twists are relentless, each one more shocking than the last. Just when you think you’ve pieced it all together, Hurst masterfully pulls the rug out from under you.

Fans of Freida McFadden, John Marrs, and T.M. Logan will find much to love in The Husband. It’s a fast-paced, utterly addictive thriller that will have you reading long into the night. The blend of domestic tension and high-stakes danger keeps the pages turning, and the conclusion is as satisfying as it is chilling.

Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a psychological thriller with masterful twists and deeply human stakes. The Husband cements Daniel Hurst’s place as a must-read author in the genre.

Yes! Yes! Yes! This book delivers exactly what it promises, a domestic noir without all the frills, waffle or 20 other sub plots thrown in. It's the perfect book to pick up nd just read the day away with. It's well written, the characters are believable, some good twists that are written into it and it's just everything you would want from a thriller!!! And I love that! Love the author, another winner!

The Husband is a wildly entertaining psychological thriller that makes you ask yourself how much you really know about your spouse. Have they only showed you and told you what they want you to know or is there a darker side to them that will come out of hiding when you least expect it. The author does a great job at getting into the killer's mind. I enjoyed not knowing where this story was taking me, and this is why I enjoy reading so much. It's the sense of anticipation that keeps me reading. Another great read by Daniel Hurst.

This is another cracker of a thriller by the author. I always go back to his books as they are so easy to read and get engrossed in. The story in this one drew me in as crime documentaries are so popular now and found it very well written and enjoyed the twists! After discovering the author through netgalley two years ago I always look forward to reading or listening to his books. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this arc.

The Husband by Daniel Hurst is another 5-star read by one of my favourite authors.
Jenny is married to Lachlan for the last twenty years and they have a happy marriage. Except for when they want to talk about his troubled childhood. Where he lived in a small town in Scotland, so when Jennie and her daughter Bonnie watch a true crime documentary about a girl called Paisley who was murdered in the nearby woods in a remote village is Scotland Lachlan demeanour soon changes, and Jennie doesn’t know why. Someone was accused of her murder by later released. The killer was never found Jennie decides they want to take a holiday and wants to visit the village, but Lachlan is so against it. Until they find out that the village is the same one Lachlan group up in. Jennie is adamant to find out why her husband left 24 years ago and never returned.
This is another gripping tense thriller from the very first page. I was hooked As Jennie delved into the mystery of the girl was killed and why her husband was hiding secrets from her. I couldn’t put this down I read it in one sitting. I loved every minute of it. I can’t wait for more.

Another fab one from Daniel. So readable and addictive.

Great simple plot and book you can just escape and read in one sitting. Great pace.

From the chilling opening scene, 'The Husband’ grips the reader with an iron fist. Daniel masterfully builds suspense, weaving a labyrinthine plot of deceit and betrayal. Each chapter reveals a new layer of intrigue, leaving the reader breathlessly turning the page. The characters are complex and morally ambiguous, making it impossible to predict their actions. The ending, while unexpected, is both satisfying and chilling, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.

Will continue to read all his books.

Jenny has been married for twenty years to Lachlan and they have two children together, Bonnie and William. Their daughter Bonnie is leaving soon for university soon. Jenny and Bonnie watch a true crime TV show about an unsolved murder that happened in Scotland where Lachlan was brought up. The family are desperate to visit where Lachlan lived, but Lachlan doesn't want to return to his hometown.

This story is told from Jenny and Lachlan's perspectives in alternating chapters. We are told what Lachlan's secret is quite early on, but his past is quickly catching up with him. It was a bit predictable in parts, but I think that was due to us knowing what Lachlan had done. I was quickly pulled into this story and I read it in one sitting.

Published 20th January 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #DanielHurst for my ARC of #TheHusband in exchange for an honest review

First I want to give my thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Daniel Hurst for allowing me to read this ARC!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5/5

Description:
Lachlan seems like the perfect husband and father kind, devoted, and protective. But beneath the facade lies a dark secret he is desperate to keep buried. When the family makes an unexpected detour to Carnfield, cracks begin to form in Lachlan's carefully constructed life.

What is he hiding? Why was he so adamantly against visiting his hometown? As the past resurfaces and the walls close in, his true face begins to emerge and its more terrifying than anyone could have imagined.

A chilling tale of deception, betrayal, and unrelenting suspense, this book will make you question how well you really know the ones closest to you. Can a man with everything to lose truly keep his mask intact?

Review:
The story is undeniably fast-paced, with writing that hooks the reader from the start. The storyline keeps you turning the pages, eager to see what happens next. However, while the plot is engaging, it lacks the kind of shocking twists that elevate a thriller. The ending, though satisfying in its resolution, leans toward being somewhat predictable.

One potential enhancement could have been a deeper exploration of Lachlan's character. Perhaps a twist involving plastic surgery to disguise himself as Angus or someone else, allowing him to reclaim his life and his children, would have added an unexpected layer to the narrative. Additionally, the portrayal of Lachlan as a serial killer could have been more convincing if his actions included more murders beyond those of Paisley and Teri. The gap in his crimes leaves a sense of untapped potential in his character arc and the overall suspense.

Despite these elements, the book remains an engaging read, particularly for those who enjoy a briskly-paced story with compelling writing. It's a solid read, though it could have benefited from a stronger focus on unpredictability and character depth.

Daniel Hurst delivers yet another gripping thriller with The Husband. This fast-paced novel had me hooked from the very first page, and I found myself unable to put it down. The story is intense and thought-provoking, leaving me constantly questioning how well I truly know the people in my own life.

Hurst masterfully builds suspense, weaving a tale filled with twists and turns that kept me on edge. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that challenge your perceptions and keep you guessing until the very end, The Husband is a must-read.

OMG! What have I just read! This book is amazing!!! I loved the storyline, I loved the characters, the good ones & the bad ones. There's so many twists and turns, this book will have you staying up reading well into the night. I read this in one sitting. Definitely 5 stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

The Husband is a fast paced thriller. It was pretty good, but was kinda disappointed there wasn’t any big twists in it like Daniel Hurst usually has in his books. I gave it 3 stars for this reason.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Lachlan seems like the perfect husband; he is attentive and dotes on his family. He is hiding a secret, though. When his wife and daughter become interested in a documentary about a cold case in the small village he grew up in, how far will he go to protect his secret? This is a good book, if a little predictable at some points.

Jenny has the most perfect life until a new documentary series comes out that has her daughter curious about the small town where her husband grew up and the unsolved murder that happened there 25yrs ago. You’ll love this book and how the story unfolds.