Book: The New Husband
Author: D. J. Palmer
Genre: Thriller; Mystery
Rating: 4 stars
Goodreads Synopsis:
What makes Simon Fitch so perfect?
-He knows all her favorite foods, music, and movies.
-Her son adores him. He was there when she needed him most.
-He anticipates her every need.
-He would never betray her like her first husband.
The perfect husband. He checks all the boxes.
The question is, why?
Nina Garrity learned the hard way that her missing husband, Glen, had been leading a double life with another woman. But with Glen gone—presumably drowned while fishing on his boat—she couldn't confront him about the affair or find closure to the life he blew apart.
Now, a year and a half later, Nina has found love again and hopes she can put her shattered world back together. Simon, a widower still grieving the death of his first wife, thinks he has found his dream girl in Nina, and his charm and affections help break through to a heart hardened by betrayal. Nina's teenage son, Connor, embraces Simon as the father he wishes his dad could have been, while her friends see a different side to him, and they aren't afraid to use the word obsession.
Nina works hard to bridge the divide that’s come between her daughter and Simon. She wants so badly to believe her life is finally getting back on track, but she’ll soon discover that the greatest danger to herself and her children are the lies people tell themselves.
My Review:
D. J. Palmer's "The New Husband" is a chilling psychological thriller that will have you hooked from start to finish. The novel centers around Nina Garrity, a perfect wife, mother, and friend whose life is turned upside down when her husband, Glen, disappears under mysterious circumstances. All the evidence points to Glen having betrayed his family and drained their insurance money from the bank, leaving Nina and her two teenage children, Conner and Maggie, in a dire financial situation.
Enter Simon Fitch, a charming, good-looking, and successful man who seems to be the perfect partner for Nina and a father figure for her children. Nina and Conner are drawn to Simon's charisma and find comfort in his presence, but Maggie is suspicious of him from the start. She refuses to be swayed by his perfect façade and begins to investigate him, convinced that he is not what he seems.
As the story progresses, the tension builds, and the reader is constantly kept guessing as to what Simon's true intentions are. Palmer does an excellent job of building suspense and creating a sense of unease throughout the novel. The characters are well-developed, and we get to see the story from multiple points of view. Maggie's inner thoughts about Simon and Nina are particularly interesting and add depth to the story.
One of the novel's strengths is its pacing. The story starts with Glen's disappearance and then slowly builds up to the reveal of Simon's true nature. The twist is unexpected and will leave you gasping. The author does a great job of keeping the reader engaged and building up to the climax.
Palmer's writing style is easy to read, making the novel a page-turner. The characters are relatable and flawed, and their actions feel genuine. The author captures the essence of a family trying to come to terms with a tragedy, and the book is both heart-warming and heart-wrenching.
The novel also explores the themes of deception, trust, and family bonds. Nina is forced to confront the fact that her perfect life was built on a foundation of lies, and she struggles to come to terms with the reality of her situation. Maggie, on the other hand, is the only one who sees through Simon's facade, and her investigation leads to a shocking discovery. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about the lengths we are willing to go to protect our loved ones and the consequences of our actions.
However, the novel's ending feels rushed and lacks the impact that the rest of the book has. The final confrontation between the characters is over too quickly, and the resolution feels unsatisfying. The author could have spent more time developing the final showdown between the characters, which would have made for a more satisfying ending.
In conclusion, "The New Husband" is a gripping psychological thriller that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. The story is intense and gripping, and the characters are well-developed. The twist is a game-changer and will leave you reeling. Although the ending feels rushed, the book is still worth reading. If you love psychological thrillers, then this book is a must-read. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about family dynamics and the consequences of our actions, making it a book that will stay with you long after you finish it.
My Favorite Lines:
“Death is easiest for the deceased.
“After all, tragedy was personal, and like a wound, it mattered most to those people left with the scars.”
“...just because you love someone doesn't mean you know them”
“I guess when you shine light into the dark", she said, "you see it for what it really is, and it loses all power over you.”
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