Review | THE NEW HUSBAND by D.J. Palmer

The New Husband is a riveting thriller about the lies we tell ourselves from D. J. Palmer, the author of Saving Meghan.

Just because you love someone doesn’t mean you know them.

Nina Garrity learned that the hard way after discovering that her missing husband, Glen, had been leading a double life with another woman. But Glen’s gone–presumably drowned while fishing on his boat–so she can’t confront him about the affair or any of his other misdeeds. A year and a half after the accident, Nina considers herself a widow, even though the police never found a body. Following a chance encounter with Simon Fitch, a teacher from her daughter Maggie’s middle school, Nina finds love again and has hopes of putting her shattered life back together.

Simon, a widower still grieving the suicide of his first wife, has found his dream girl in Nina. 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, but Maggie sees a far darker side to this new man in their lives. Even Nina’s good friends wonder if Simon is supremely devoted–or dangerously possessive.

But Nina is committed, not only to her soon-to-be new husband but also to resuming her former career as a social worker. Before she can move forward, however, Nina must first clear her conscience that she’s not making another terrible choice in a man. In doing so, she will uncover the shocking truth: the greatest danger to her, and her children, are the lies people tell themselves.

After reading Saving Meghan, I was anxiously waiting to see if I could snag a copy of The New Husband and lo and behold, I did!!!!!!

Two years ago, Glen Garrity, Nina’s husband and father to Connor and Maggie, went missing after someone found his boat with their dog Daisy and a massive amount of blood on board. The night that police tell her of their grim discovery and returning Daisy, Nina gets a text and pictures, from an unknown source, showing Glen kissing some waitress named Teresa. She then realizes that Glen has drained their savings. Was this all connected? Did he leave on his own to start a new life? Or was it something more sinister since Glen’s body was never recovered?

It’s been 2 years and Nina has decided to move on and in with Simon Fitch, a history teacher at Maggie’s middle school. Connor doesn’t mind since he feels his dad is dead but Maggie is furious since she doesn’t trust him. Is she right not to?

Nina can’t believe how lucky she is since Simon is close to perfect. But Maggie doesn’t think so and creates a lot of drama in this new family because she doesn’t believe her dad is dead.

The narrative alternates between Nina, Maggie, and someone else (sorry!!! no spoilers from this lady).

From the first chapter, the suspense mounts and the pages are turning. About 50% into the book, something happens that was like a sucker punch, which I was like, WAIT!!!! WHAT??? and had to read it three times to make sure that I understood what just happened. After that, I was reading at warp speed to find out the hows, whys, and who else will be destroyed.

Another fast-paced chilling read!!! A book that will have you so engrossed, you won’t know what’s going on around you!!!!!

There is one big negative, however. Since this book will not be released until April 2020, I will have a very long wait for his next book!!!!

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