My Husband's House by Sheryl Browne
Genre: Psychological thriller, Domestic thriller
Read: 1st June 2023
Published: 5th June 2023
★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)
DESCRIPTION:
A new home. A loving wife. A secret that could kill…
With its peeling wallpaper and overgrown garden I know our new home isn’t perfect. But my husband Ben promises it’s the fresh start we need. I remind myself that he’s an amazing father to our two children, and that we have years of happy marriage behind us. He’s been distant for months but I’m desperate to believe the move will bring us back together.
When I meet our next-door neighbour Sara, I’m immediately relieved. She’s so welcoming and full of local gossip. But the moment she meets Ben I’m sure an angry frown flickers across her smiling face. Later he says I’m imagining things…
Why is my husband lying?
Then one night as I tuck our children into bed, the silence is broken by a knock on the front door. A stranger is standing on our doorstep. I turn to look at Ben’s face as he stares at her with unconcealed fury. Has he met this woman before? Nothing could prepare me for what she says:I know who you are. Get out of my house.
How well do I know the man I married? And by moving to this house, did I put my children’s lives in danger?
If you enjoyed reading The Housemaid, The Perfect Marriage and The Wife, you will love My Husband’s House. Gripping and totally addictive, you’ll be hooked from the first page.
MY THOUGHTS:
His dream home...her worst nightmare...and a secret that could kill...
Hold onto your hats - Sheryl Browne is back with a bang! I have read umpteen of her thrillers and she never fails to keep me guessing but has yet to hoodwink me...lol MY HUSBAND'S HOUSE is a different story of sorts in that it is more of a slow burn. But don't let that fool you because you are not bored during the build up. Oh no. Sheryl keeps us proper entertained with a little neighbourly spat here and there, a bit of sibling rivalry, some jealousy maybe, plenty of secrets, a few lies thrown in...and a whole lot of wondering what the hell was going on and where it was all going to lead.
Naomi and Ben have just moved into what they are sure will be their dream home. It's not perfect; the decor fairly dated; it's clearly in need of some love. But it's their's. And it's just the fresh start they need. Despite her looming superstitions, Naomi is looking forward to settling in here and making some new friends. One such opportunity comes along when a knock at the door reveals a smiling face. Sara lives next door with her two children, James and Ellie, of similar ages to her own Liam (9) and Maya (5). The two women fall into an easy friendship and Naomi is immediately relieved, desperately needing a friend to help her settle in.
Until she meets Ben. There's a flicker of something Naomi can't quite interpret on Sara's face but it seems from the very beginning, she doesn't warm to him. The question is...why? Ben is quick to dismiss her worries, saying she is imagining things. Baby brain, maybe? After all, she is six months pregnant. But no matter how much the two try to disguise it, it is clear they both harbour an obvious dislike for the other. But it's not just Sara. Her partner Paul doesn't seem to like him either. And when Joan, the elderly neighbour from across the street, meets him there's a sense of eeriness as the two glare at each other. Joan knows her husband. But from where? And it is clear that Ben recognises Joan. The darkened look he gave her is like one Naomi has never seen in her usually placid husband's eyes. Which begs the question as to why? And why is Ben lying to her?
Slowly but surely, Naomi's world begins to crumble leaving her wondering if they should have moved into this house to begin with. Particularly after she heard the disturbing history of the place. Her superstitious nature would have her believing all sorts from the creaking of the rocking chair that meant a ghost's spirit remains to the disturbing dreams she has of a child crying for help.
But when the startling truth is revealed nothing will prepare Naomi for the shock that is about to befall her as all the secrets and lies come bubbling to the surface.
So much drama and so much tragedy is woven into this tautly driven psychological thriller. It is thrilling, engaging and entertaining on so many levels and such an addictive read that was impossible to put down. It is one of Browne's best to date though it did leave a few unanswered questions at the end that I felt could have been clarified. Such as the drowning of the doll - I didn't understand that - nor the final pages of the book which I felt were unnecessary. But that aside, this is a five star read that is compelling and unputdownable.
Sheryl Browne, you've done it again!
I would like to thank #SherylBrowne, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #MyHusbandsHouse in exchange for an honest review.
MEET THE AUTHOR:
When she's not writing Sheryl can usually be found messing about on the water in her little narrowboat, Aquaduck, which she says she can generally be found falling off and she admits to being a bit accident prone.
Sheryl lives in Worcestershire with her partner and a variety of disabled dogs, of whom she says "my furry-friends give me back much more than I could ever give them. I really wouldn’t be me without them." According to readers of her thrillers, she also apparently makes an excellent psychopath.
PUBLISHER:
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Thanks so much again for sharing your fab review, Stina - and for your lovely support. It really does mean so much. :) Have a lovely rest of your day.
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