My Husband’s House by Sheryl Browne

*** My Review ***

In “My Husband’s House” by Sheryl Browne, readers are introduced to Naomi and Ben Felton, a couple moving into their dream home with their two children and one on the way. The house seems perfect, despite its gloomy atmosphere and mysterious history after being empty for two decades. Naomi is determined to make it their own and befriend their new neighbors, Sara and Joan, who also have children. However, as Ben’s behavior starts to change, becoming argumentative and secretive, Naomi begins to question everything. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, offering a thrilling ride with fantastic twists.

All books by this author are known for their distinctiveness, and ‘My Husband’s House’ stands out as the most gripping of them all. From the very first page, it grips you with its addictive narrative and hints at the chilling journey that lies ahead. In this riveting psychological thriller, we meet Naomi and Ben, a couple who find themselves in the unfortunate position of needing to downsize their home due to financial constraints. With a son, a daughter, and a baby on the way, their circumstances become increasingly precarious.

As the story unfolds, ‘My Husband’s House’ takes readers on a mesmerizing and winding path, brimming with unexpected twists and turns. What sets this novel apart is its multiple narrators, each revealing their perspectives and adding layers to the intricate plot. Through this narrative technique, readers gain a much clearer and multifaceted understanding of the events and the characters’ motivations.

The tension steadily builds throughout the book, leading to an ultimate climax that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The author’s clever writing style creates a slow-burning, tense, and at times dark atmosphere, making it difficult to put the book down until the last page. The characters are strong and complex, adding depth to the story and allowing readers to form a connection with them. Browne’s ability to bring everything together in a surprising and satisfying way showcases her talent for crafting an engaging and entertaining read.

The book excels in creating an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere. The author skillfully introduces the element of the house’s mysterious past, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story. The descriptions of the house and its surroundings are haunting, effectively setting the stage for the unsettling events that unfold. Additionally, the inclusion of a toy called Little Buttons adds to the sense of foreboding and raises further questions about the house’s history.

The characters in “My Husband’s House” are complex and well-developed, making the reader invested in their lives and the unfolding drama. Naomi, Sara, and Joan stand out as compelling protagonists, each with their own secrets and struggles. Naomi’s superstitious nature adds an extra dimension to her character, as she grapples with her growing unease about the house and her husband’s changing behavior. The interactions between the two families and their children add depth to the story and create additional tensions and conflicts.

The children in “My Husband’s House” add depth and complexity to the story, enhancing the layers of intrigue. The interactions between Naomi and Ben’s children and Sara’s children, who are their neighbors, are particularly captivating. The shared experiences and close proximity of the two families at similar stages in life bring about a sense of drama and connection.

As the plot unfolds, numerous questions arise, and the characters pay a high price to uncover the answers. Tragedy, tears, danger, and unexpected twists abound, contributing to the gripping nature of this psychological thriller. The inclusion of these elements, which are essential to the genre, ensures that readers are fully immersed in a thrilling and suspenseful narrative.

In addition to its gripping plot, ‘My Husband’s House’ is characterized by its atmospheric creepiness. The author skillfully creates an unsettling ambiance, where shadows linger and secrets lurk around every corner. The sense of unease permeates the pages, heightening the suspense and ensuring that readers are thoroughly engrossed.

While some of the twists in “My Husband’s House” may be predictable for readers well-versed in the thriller genre, the book still manages to deliver an enjoyable reading experience. It falls into the category of a middle-of-the-road thriller, offering a mix of expected and unexpected plot developments. The narrative structure, featuring multiple points of view, enhances the story and adds depth to the characters. However, the pacing could be seen as a slow burn, and readers who prefer faster-paced thrillers might find themselves longing for more action.

Another aspect that may be considered a downside is the pacing. While some readers may appreciate the slow-burning nature of the narrative, others might have preferred a faster-paced read. The tension builds gradually throughout the book, with the most significant twists and revelations occurring in the final portion. This could potentially leave readers eager for more action and a quicker resolution.

Despite any pacing concerns, “My Husband’s House” remains a nail-biting and gripping read. The book keeps readers guessing with its multiple points of view and cliffhangers, ensuring that the pages turn quickly. The author skillfully incorporates mystery, secrets, and lies into the story, leading to a satisfying and intense conclusion. The ending, although not entirely fulfilling for some, still leaves an impact and contributes to the overall thrill of the book.

Overall, “My Husband’s House” is a captivating suspense novel that grips readers with its intricate web of secrets and surprises. Browne’s writing keeps the reader guessing and engaged, while the well-developed characters draw them deeper into the story. Though a few twists may be predictable, the book still delivers a satisfying and thrilling experience. For fans of psychological thrillers with a slow-burning tension and an intriguing plot, “My Husband’s House” is a worthwhile read that showcases Browne’s skill as a storyteller.