Summary

After losing her husband Derrick, in what appears to have been a random street crime, thirtysomething Emma has built a new life with widower Tom, who is kind, handsome, driven, and successful. Emma is finally able to feel safe again, both in her relationship with Tom and in the home they’ve made together on the Connecticut shore.

Then one day a homicide detective shows up at Emma and Tom’s door asking questions. Though Emma had been cleared of her husband’s murder, it appears that law enforcement is taking another look at her and the case. 

What exactly have they found? And will the renewed investigation ruin Emma’s chances for a happy life?

A gripping, unpredictable psychological thriller that asks how well we really know the ones we love, The Second Husband is Kate White at her finest.

Why I chose to read this book
I was browsing the book section at Winners last summer and came upon this book. From the book cover to the synopsis, I knew I needed to read this and fulfill my thriller craving!

Thoughts & Opinions

This story was captivating right from the beginning. It starts off in the past and explains how Emma got to where she is in life. Her first husband, Derrick, was murdered and she is now remarried to another widow, Tom.  Emma has rebuilt her life and everything is seemingly perfect. Even Tom is perfect, maybe too perfect. 

Out of the blue, Emma receives a visit from a detective who advises her that the investigation into her first husband’s murder has been reopened. Although Emma was cleared the first time around, there is apparently a new development in the case and they are looking into Emma again. 

Emma admits to herself that she absolutely does not miss Derrick as they did not have a happy marriage. She is extremely nervous about the new investigation because she has to fake her grief all over again, and this has her feeling guilty. However, it makes one wonder if there is another reason for her guilt; was she possibly involved? New husband Tom started to look suspicious as well, but how could that be when she met him after Derrick’s murder?

You’ll be asking yourself all these questions and more as The Second Husband explores so many different possibilities. Emma’s mind is all over the place, jumping to conclusions swiftly and impulsively. Her anxiety-induced deliberations and actions will leave your heart racing. 

Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the ending. It was not satisfying at all as it left too many avenues unanswered. I’m open to reading other books by Kate White as she was able to grab my attention with this thriller, I just hope they have better endings!

Check out my other psychological thriller reviews:

A Stranger on the Beach

An Honest Lie

Nowhere to Hide

The Wives