The Second Husband: A Novel

Written by Kate White

Narrated by Leslie Howard

A woman’s seemingly perfect second marriage is rocked by a discovery about the death of her first husband in this twisty psychological thriller from Kate White, the New York Times bestselling author whom Entertainment Weekly called “impossible to outwit.” 

Recovering from the unsolved murder of her first husband, Derrick, thirtysomething Emma Hawke has built a new life with Tom, a handsome, successful, and loving widower who finally makes her feel safe again.

Then one day a police detective shows up at their house on the Connecticut shore, asking questions about Derrick’s death. Emma was sure she’d been cleared in the days after the tragedy. So why is law enforcement taking another look now—and questioning the timing of her relationship with Tom? She hadn’t even met him until after Derrick’s death.

Then Emma is shocked to discover that, in fact, she and her second husband attended the same business dinner two months before Derrick’s murder. Did Tom, unbeknownst to Emma, spot her there? Could he have set his sights on her and orchestrated a plan to make her his wife, whatever the cost.

With twists and turns all the way to the last page, this fast-paced, expertly plotted novel will have you asking that age-old question: how well do you really know the ones you love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Jun 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9780062945488

Kate White

Kate White, former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, is the New York Times bestselling author of Between Two Strangers and eight other standalone psychological thrillers, as well as eight Bailey Weggins mysteries, including Such a Perfect Wife, which was nominated for an International Thriller Writers Award. 

Reviews for The Second Husband

[Annie Morales · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Plot was dry and dragged out, I kept listening thinking something exciting was going to happen and it never did making this the most painful “thriller” in the worst way. Coupled with weak character development and bland, “beige” personalities, this is a total flop of a novel.

[Michele · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Kate White is fantastic! Very talented!!!

I loved getting to know Emma’s candid and frank inner thoughts. At times, this was endearing. At other times, there were moments when I wanted grab Emma and shake her as I told her to have a bit more backbone, or use more open communication.

But mostly, the book held my interest. It wasn’t KW’s best, but I really liked it!

Narrator did take some getting used to—but I am glad I took a shot on this book.

[Dedria Blunt · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

There was a huge build up to let you down at the end. I kept waiting on the big event. The story just drifted off.

[Cilica · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The wife is neurotic in her thinking. I found it goes on too much back n forth. I wanted the indecisive wife to stop thinking. The ending was too much, too much everything and unrealistic.