A truly wild ride leaving you unsure who to trust and what’s what! I loved this book so much and will recommend to everyone!

Sheryl Browne returns following Her First Child with her latest intense psychological thriller; MY HUSBAND'S HOUSE —a gripping, unsettling, dark, multi-layered, complex, multi-generational twisty domestic suspense—a wife and mother discover her husband's many secrets, caught up in a dangerous web of lies and deceit when the past connects with the present in this house of horrors.

First, this book is MUCH MORE than the cover (even though vibrant), the description, or the book recommendations depicted. In my opinion— these do not do the book justice or line up with what it is truly about—it needs a creepy haunted house cover.

TITLE: This title gives away the book.
However, I would love to see the title:
13 Trowan Crescent (the address where the terror takes place)

GENRES: MY HUSBAND'S HOUSE crosses between domestic suspense, horror, family drama, mystery, thriller, and profoundly psychological fiction.

An intense exploration of Nature vs. Nurture.
The scientific, cultural, and philosophical debate about whether human culture, behavior, and personality are caused primarily by nature or nurture.

We see three generations depicted in the novel passed down with mental problems and violence. Why do the parents protect, ignore, and hide the problems?

BOOK RECS: A cross between Ashley Audrain's The Push and her new upcoming The Whispers meets Jennifer McMahon/Ruth Ware's horror and creepiness, Alice Feeney's dysfunctional family dramas, and Jennifer Hillier/Lisa Unger's well-written, twisty psychological thrillers.

EERIE/CREEPINESS: From the Friday 13th date the horror began 20 yrs ago, the address—13 Trowan Crescent, the black cat, a dark and gloomy haunted house sitting abandoned for 20 yrs, the creepy rocking chair, the old earless raggedy teddy bear, the peeling wallpaper, the mysterious shed with history, the reservoir, the hidden things inside the walls, the homeless woman, the drowning of a doll, secrets hidden under floorboards, creepy letters, the many characters who are not who they pretend to be with false names, and the crazy nosy neighbors.

TWO TIMELINES: 20 yrs ago and the present

TOLD FROM MULTIPLE POVs:
Naomi - Wife of Ben. Six mos. pregnant. Mother of two children, Liam (9) Maya (5).
Ben - Husband of Naomi (may not be his real name)
Joan - Older Neighbor
Sara - Next-door neighbor. Single beautiful. (currently, Paul lives with her) Mother of James and Ellie, ages similar to Naomi's children
Lily - Homeless woman

The book opens with a tragedy 20 years earlier at 13 Trowan Crescent address. A nine-year-old girl, Holly, goes missing. A father commits suicide.

Present: Ben, Naomi, and the children move into the house at 13 Trowan Crescent. Naomi knows nothing of the dark and violent past or its history. It needs a lot of work since it has been sitting empty and abandoned for over 20 yrs. But they are too busy with all the drama to do any actual remodeling. A house that beckons its owners and their neighbors toward unimaginable danger.

Ben supposedly got a transfer with the hospital. Naomi quit her job when they moved to help the kids settle into a new school and prepare for their baby boy's arrival.

She is happy to meet Sara next door with two children and Joan, another pleasant older neighbor. However, everything is tense when Sara, Joan, and Paul meet Ben. Naomi thinks this is strange, and Ben blows it off as her pregnancy hormones.

Soon very strange, unnerving, creepy things begin happening with warnings from neighbors, threatening type letters, putting doubt in Naomi's mind, and Sara, who is always stunning and she is single.

Then one day, a homeless woman shows up at their door, stating that this is her house and she appears to know Ben, calling him by another name.

Then their son Liam acts up in school. His behavior is evil and chilling. Another major tragedy, one after another. Creepy, unsettling, dark, disturbing things begin happening.

Does Naomi even know the person she is married to? He seems to be a stranger. It appears everyone else is in the know but her. Trust no one. No one or nothing is as it appears.

The ongoing mystery of what happened to Holly?

When the past connects with the present, it is EXPLOSIVE! Browne keeps you guessing with one twist after another! It is nerve-wracking and terrifying! You may want to keep a scorecard for all the characters (and their true/false names).

Keep one eye closed, a look at the primal fears that lurk within us. You cannot outrun the past. Oh, and that deliciously twisted, wicked ending!

The author cleverly explores the eerie mysteries of childhood and the evils perpetrated by the monsters among us. A wickedly entertaining ride that takes a deep dive into the meaning of family and the price we'll pay for those we love.

The author's writing is impressive, with multi-layering, complex twists and turns. And those DARK SECRETS! I hope that this book will reach the right audience to appreciate it. A read in one sitting and an ideal book club pick for further discussions.

MY HUSBAND'S HOUSE is an intense, unsettling dark riveting thriller! Immersive, disturbing, spine-chilling, evil, and thought-provoking! A must-read for psychological thriller fans.

Thanks to #Bookouture and #NetGalley for a gifted ARC for review purposes. Also listened to the audiobook narrated by Tamsin Kennard for an engaging performance and listening experience.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: June 5, 2023
June 2023 Must-Read Books

Another great physiological read from Sheryl. As usual there are lots of twists and turns along the way. I enjoyed this book but did find it a little bit slow to start with. It’s told from a few peoples perspectives and they are all great characters. I did guess one bit but there was so much more going on it didn’t spoil the read. If you like this genre then you should read this book.

A very captivating read, but it felt unfinished. I still have lingering questions and feel as if the main plot points weren't dedicated the amount of pages they deserved yet minor details were drawn out. I would recommend this as a quick, easy to read thriller.

Talk about unsuspecting plot twists I didn’t see coming! Reading this book was like watching an episode of a true crime show.

The writing was intense, the plot and the characters were well developed, and overall the story was so gripping I practically read this cover to cover.

There are some themes in this book that spill over into our own lives and are capable of making you question what you know or are willing to tolerate from another person.

Read If you like:
Suspense
Psychological thrillers
Mystery
True crime

I've read a lot of Sheryl Browne's books and always really enjoyed them. I found this a bit of a slow burn bit glad I stuck with it as picked up pace in the middle then I flew through the rest.

Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to review this book this is my honest opinion.

I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I have read a few books from this author and after reading this one, I will definitely be reading more. I really enjoyed this book and all of the twists too. It was a fast read and I definitely could not put it down. Highly recommend!

I enjoyed this book by Sheryl Browne, its the first book I have read of hers and it wont be the last

Well this was a unsettling read but it's supposed to be this way as Sheryl sets it up so it gives this type of feeling. Lots of twists, drama and a definite recommend

Thanks Netgalley and Bookouture. All thoughts and comments are my own and aren't influenced by anyone else

3.75 stars!
This book has a plot twist but there are mixed in with unpredictable and predictable ones! This psychological thriller sets and eerie environment and makes you question each of the characters. This book is definitely a fast paced/quick read and is a page turner!!! Some aspect of the books leaves you unsatisfied and wanting for more and I wish there was more character depth in this story. Usually I am not a fan of multiple POV but this book pulled it off!

Thank you Netgalley and Bookoture and Sheryl for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review!

This was a solid thriller. Slightly predictable and a little slow at times. But I enjoyed this book. It was a fun read! I thought the husband was frustrating. Why couldn’t he just come clean about stuff to his wife.

★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)

His dream home...her worst nightmare...and a secret that could kill...

Hold onto your hats - Sheryl Browne is back with a bang! I have read umpteen of her thrillers and she never fails to keep me guessing but has yet to hoodwink me...lol MY HUSBAND'S HOUSE is a different story of sorts in that it is more of a slow burn. But don't let that fool you because you are not bored during the build up. Oh no. Sheryl keeps us proper entertained with a little neighbourly spat here and there, a bit of sibling rivalry, some jealousy maybe, plenty of secrets, a few lies thrown in...and a whole lot of wondering what the hell was going on and where it was all going to lead.

Naomi and Ben have just moved into what they are sure will be their dream home. It's not perfect; the decor fairly dated; it's clearly in need of some love. But it's their's. And it's just the fresh start they need. Despite her looming superstitions, Naomi is looking forward to settling in here and making some new friends. One such opportunity comes along when a knock at the door reveals a smiling face. Sara lives next door with her two children, James and Ellie, of similar ages to her own Liam (9) and Maya (5). The two women fall into an easy friendship and Naomi is immediately relieved, desperately needing a friend to help her settle in.

Until she meets Ben. There's a flicker of something Naomi can't quite interpret on Sara's face but it seems from the very beginning, she doesn't warm to him. The question is...why? Ben is quick to dismiss her worries, saying she is imagining things. Baby brain, maybe? After all, she is six months pregnant. But no matter how much the two try to disguise it, it is clear they both harbour an obvious dislike for the other. But it's not just Sara. Her partner Paul doesn't seem to like him either. And when Joan, the elderly neighbour from across the street, meets him there's a sense of eeriness as the two glare at each other. Joan knows her husband. But from where? And it is clear that Ben recognises Joan. The darkened look he gave her is like one Naomi has never seen in her usually placid husband's eyes. Which begs the question as to why? And why is Ben lying to her?

Slowly but surely, Naomi's world begins to crumble leaving her wondering if they should have moved into this house to begin with. Particularly after she heard the disturbing history of the place. Her superstitious nature would have her believing all sorts from the creaking of the rocking chair that meant a ghost's spirit remains to the disturbing dreams she has of a child crying for help.

But when the startling truth is revealed nothing will prepare Naomi for the shock that is about to befall her as all the secrets and lies come bubbling to the surface.

So much drama and so much tragedy is woven into this tautly driven psychological thriller. It is thrilling, engaging and entertaining on so many levels and such an addictive read that was impossible to put down. It is one of Browne's best to date though it did leave a few unanswered questions at the end that I felt could have been clarified. Such as the drowning of the doll - I didn't understand that - nor the final pages of the book which I felt were unnecessary. But that aside, this is a five star read that is compelling and unputdownable.

Sheryl Browne, you've done it again!

I would like to thank #SherylBrowne, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #MyHusbandsHouse in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

I’ve read a few of this authors books and enjoyed them but I struggled with this one. I found it very slow moving with not much happening until the middle.

This authors books just keep getting better and better and I know when I pick them up everything else can wait. I enjoyed reading this in the garden on a sunny bank holiday. This was a gripping psychological thriller which had me hooked from the very first page.

This was a tense and intriguing read and makes you question do you really know people like you think you do and makes you question of people are who they seem on the surface deep down. The characters were engaging as was the subject matter and there were lots of twists and turns as the story unravelled and unveiled how the past is interwoven into the here and now and how everything fits together.

Can’t wait to read what this author writes next.

Naomi can’t tell why her new neighbors, most notably Sara, take a strong dislike to her husband Ben. Naomi and Sara have children of a similar age and the two woman begin a friendship. However, things become strained almost immediately and quite naturally this concerns Naomi. Then when Ben is introduced to Sara’s partner, the dislike turns to animosity, further perplexingly Naomi.

Moving to a new home and befriending new neighbors can indeed be daunting. Factor in lies and secrets being part and parcel in this latest thriller by Sheryl Browne, even more so. With excellent pacing, past and present collide, illustrating that hiding one’s past from those closest to you is not really a good idea. This thrilling read was so compelling that it was impossible to put down, and it managed to leave me breathless.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

A house full of secrets and lies….What happens when the truth is revealed?

Get ready for a psychological thriller that is so atmospheric and unsettling! There are so many shocking revelations throughout the book and I was so immersed in the story. It will have you questioning everything and everyone. The building suspense throughout really kept me interested and I was so curious how all of the pieces would fit together. Things get really intense and there are so many twists and turns.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Bookouture for the arc!

This was a new to me author, but this title had me stalking her backlist! Told in multiple points of view, MY HUSBAND'S HOUSE was a tense psychological thriller that had me thoroughly invested.

When Ben and Naomi move to a new home for a fresh start, it’s not quite what she imagined. She's pregnant with her second child and is eager to begin renovating and freshening up the neglected property. The dynamic between husband and wife soon became strained as Naomi is very superstitious, while Ben is a non-believer. Ben's job takes him away from the home quite often, and when he is there, he doesn't seem fully present.

This book was a study in red herrings, from the next door neighbor, to the rumors surrounding the house, and the old woman that Ben has a visceral reaction to. Nothing is as it seems, and the less you know going in, the better. I think I stress-ate during the entire last 50% of this book!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bookouture for this early read. This title will publish June 5, 2023.

Another great psychological thriller from Sheryl Browne.
It’s hard to describe this story without giving too much away but it’s definitely got a few surprises in store.
Naomi and Ben move into a house that needs a lot of TLC and their neighbour, Sara is there to say hello and offers to look after their children for a bit as she has two of a similar age.
Ben is a bit off towards Sara but Naomi can’t understand why and he just brushes this off.
When he meets Sara’s partner the animosity is clear for all to see but again Naomi doesn’t understand why.
This is a gripping psychological thriller that will definitely have you racing through the pages.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Whew! I need some oxygen after reading this thriller. I am breathless and chilled to the bone. There are mind games amongst the characters, and trust me, it will play mind games with your mind as the reader. I am so blown away that I cannot even think about exactly what I want to write.

Naomi and her husband, Ben, along with their children are moving into a new home. Naomi is hesitant about this move as she feels something about this house is just not right. This house has an unhappy history (although she does not know this at first). When they move in, they are greeted by their friendly next door neighbor, Sara. Sara has a boy and girl as well, and the kids are immediately drawn to one another. Everything seems to be falling into place for this family, then the weird stuff starts happening.

This was a brilliantly written thriller by a very talented writer who loves to take you down one rabbit hole after another. The chills begin from the moment Naomi finds a lonely, empty rocking chair and a threadbare teddy bear in one of the bedrooms of the house. Cue the creepy music. The tingles started from that point forward and then the goosebumps and chills just kept building. I was so absorbed and captivated by this book that I slipped into the pages for a few hours today and lived there. Yes. I read it in one sitting. Sheryl Browne is a master manipulator in her writing, and she misled me from the start to finish. This was a gritty psychological thriller which will play with your mind and give you goosebumps. I like the way that the chapters were told from the point of view of the characters which allows you to delve into the minds of the characters.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

With it's peeling wallpaper and overgrown garden I know our new home isn't perfect. But my husband Ben promises it's the fresh start we need. I remind myself that he's an amazing father to our two children and we have years of happy marriage behind us. He's been distant for months but I'm desperate to believe the move will bring us back together. When I met our next door neighbour Sara, I'm immediately relieved. She's so welcoming and full of local gossip. But the moment she meets Ben I'm sure an angry frown flickers across her smiling face. Later he says I'm imaging things. Why is my husband lying?

When Ben, Natalie and their two children move into their new home, life changes for everyone. I was gripped from the prologue. There were so many twists and turns that my head was spinning. It will make you question if you really know the person that you love. The characters were well fleshed out and I never knew which character I believed, there were so many lies. I love Sheryl's writing style, she never disappoints. The ending was very creepy.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #SherylBrowne for my ARC of #MyHusbandsHouse in exchange for an honest review.