I thought he was dead...I thought I was safe...was I wrong...?

I have loved every book I've devoured by Elisabeth Carpenter so I jumped at the chance of reading this one too. I was hooked from the first page though its pace was somewhat slower and I tried to unscramble the pieces of the puzzle put before me. By the tale's end, I felt a little deflated but happy still that everything was tied up satisfactorily.

After two decades of friendship, Leah and Matt are getting married. They already have a son together, three year old Noah, and it seemed only natural that they should make their union official. But this is not Leah's first rodeo.

Eight years ago, she was married to Matt's best friend Callum when he disappeared from her birthday weekend at the very same cottage they are now to be married in. It was thought he had drowned in Lake Windemere, just a stone's throw away from the cottage that Matt's parents owned and insisted they marry there. It's strange being back in the place where Callum mysteriously disappeared from all those years ago it's almost creepy. It serves as a constant reminder of that fateful weekend that Leah can't quite escape. But she's determined that nothing and no one will stop her from marrying Matt.

When the card arrives depicting a black heart and claiming to be from Callum, Leah is shocked, frightened and then passes it off as a cruel prank. Then each of the group who were there eight years before all get the same text threatening to reveal what they know about Callum's disappearance, also claiming to be from Callum. But it's not until a note is delivered the day before their wedding threatening little Noah that Leah and Matt realise they must revisit that night eight years ago to unravel what really happened if they are to keep their little boy safe.

But it seems the rest of the weekend is not without its problems. The caterers have not turned up and cannot be contacted and there are highly salacious text messages that throw the proverbial cat amongst the pigeons. Leah now wishes she and Matt had eloped in a registry office. Being back at the cottage and the lake was a bad idea.

The story unfolds through the past and the present - from the days and hours leading up to Callum's disappearance and the days and hours leading up to Leah and Matt's wedding. Being set in the same location for both adds an air of eeriness with the black waters of Lake Windemere also adding a chilling effect.

I did find it difficult that Leah and Matt would marry in the same place from which Callum disappeared and the reasoning didn't really suffice in my opinion. I certainly wouldn't want to relive a most terrifying event on what is meant to be a happy occasion. And then there was Callum's sudden change in personality. It wasn't sufficiently explained, I felt. I didn't really understand why in the end because while he wasn't really completely likeable anyway, his personality seemed to change dramatically that weekend and no real explanation was given.

However, the story was riveting with a steady pace throughout that kept me turning the pages with each twist building intrigue and suspense with each turn. It was an emotional and unsettling tale with creepy undertones, a reflection of the hidden depths of Windemere's black waters.

A gripping read overall with complex emotions that was entirely entertaining.

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

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

The only scary thing about this book was the lack of actual plot. So much happened and yet nothing of consequence came up.

The constant out of order flash back, the amount if time it took for them to communicate developments, and the loose ends that were never tied up made it almost impossible to feel satisfied by the time the final reveal came up.

There were entirely too many characters and random plot points that served no purpose other than to seemly delay the end of the book.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

I’ve read all of Elisabeth Carpenters books now and I think this is actually my favourite so far! It certainly kept me glued to the pages desperately seeking clues as to what was really going on!

The First Husband has everything you need in your psychological thriller-a wedding, a missing person, a small child and suspects galore, all gathered together at the scene of a previous crime! Leah and Matt are back at his parents estate for their wedding accompanied by Leah’s dad and their son. Unfortunately it’s probably not the best venue as the last time Leah was there celebrating her birthday, her husband Callum disappeared and is now presumed dead. But it certainly makes for an interesting scenario when Leah starts to receive communications seemingly from Callum. Is someone messing with her and if so…why? Or is Callum really back from the dead?

I thought The First Husband was a thoroughly enjoyable read with engaging characters and a gripping storyline. I had no idea of the truth behind what had occurred 8 years previously and enjoyed the unravelling of the secrets and lies in both timelines. Happy to recommend!

Oh, what a fantastic read! This book truly had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I absolutely loved it—every twist and turn kept me guessing right until that thrilling final page!

"The First St Husband" by Elisabeth Carpenter is a gripping and suspenseful read that keeps you on the edge of your seat with its unexpected twists and deep-seated secrets. Leah is poised to walk down the aisle for the second time, but the shadows of her past loom large. Her best friend is none other than Matt, who also happens to be the best friend of her first husband, Callum. After disappearing under mysterious circumstances eight years ago, Callum has recently been declared dead, yet the house where he vanished still resonates with haunting reminders.

I loved the palpable tension that arises from being back in the same location, combined with a dual timeline that intricately pieces together the mystery. The suspense builds beautifully to a satisfying climax that leaves you breathless. This was my first experience with Elisabeth Carpenter’s writing, but it certainly won’t be my last!

A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley, Elisabeth Carpenter, and Bookouture for providing this ARC.

This was an interesting read. You follow two different timelines, one where the wife is with the first husband and the second where she's with her next one, Along the way we don't understand what's happened to the first husband but as her second wedding draws nearer we reveal the truth of what happened that night.
I liked the plot, characters and the mystery of this book. There are a couple of mistakes but not enough to point it out (mostly just wording decisions). I liked the dual timelines, I think it makes the story more 3D.

Thank you to the author and publisher for sending me this copy. it was a really nice and quick read and I really enjoyed it.

WoW . . . . . . .. . . . The First Husband by Elisabeth Carpenter was a very cleverly written book and an excellent read, Once you start to read it, you will be hooked till the very end, it's full of twists and turns that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat especially as it will have you guessing till the very end! Brilliant! I loved it.

I highly recommend this book a great holiday read.

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.

I had so many theories running through my head from start to finish on this one. A fabulous guessing game for me!
A brilliant book that isn't slow in ramping up the mystery and edge of seat needing to read and know what happens next element. The setup of the book also does really well to aid this keep reading need.
Yeah and Matt are preparing for marriage. But this isn't Leahs first attempt. Thing is her 1st disappeared.
I was suspicious of everyone. And wondered if Leah was being honest with us too,ha. And then I thought surely something has got be involve Matt being the bad guy. He so seamlessly slips in. Or did he.
And if Callums body was never found? Then a note supposedly from Callum arrives. And so the finding out what really went on begins...

The First Husband
A mind-bending suspense about a bride-to-be, her fiancé and her (deceased) ex-husband. Or is he?
Heart racing mystery with a twist!

Captivating! This book was so good from start to finish, and kept me on the edge of my seat. It kept me up late at night wanting to know what was going to happen next. This book was full of twists that I didn’t see coming. Thank you. NetGalley.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The First Husband’ written by Elizabeth Carpenter in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Leah and Matt are preparing for their marriage at Lakeside Cottage, the same place that her first husband Callum disappeared eight years ago. Leah fears for her own safety and that of their three-year-old son Noah when a threatening note arrives addressed to Leah, supposedly from her late husband. But his body was never found and he was presumed dead, so has Callum been hiding for the past eight years or has the note come from someone pretending to be him?

‘The First Husband’ tells the story of the days and hours preceding Callum’s disappearance eight years ago, and moves to the present time as Leah and Matt prepare for their wedding surrounded by their family and friends. It’s an entertaining novel, well-written with nicely described characters, and although fairly predictable and not the most exciting I’ve read, it’s an interesting novel that kept me involved waiting to know what was going to happen next.

This is the first book I have read from this author. It was ok but not thrilling just something missing for me. It was slow in parts and a little confusing with the back and forward of timelines. I would definitely give her next book a try. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

First book from this author. First impression as I started to read it, it had me turning the pages.

Leah is getting married a 2nd time, to her 1st husband’s best mate. The weekend is spent at same place her 1st husband disappeared. Her future husband’s parent’s cabin.

Leah starts getting notes. As the book progresses, his body was never found. Is he alive? Is he the one sending messages, leaving notes.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC

In two days’ time, I’m getting married again. It’s bittersweet, after everything that happened. But when I look at my cheeky son and his loving, handsome father, I know I’m doing the right thing in moving on. Then a card comes through the letterbox: Two days to go. I can’t wait to see you. I’ve missed you so much. All my love, Callum.

Callum was my first husband. He disappeared eight years ago, leaving only secrets and pain behind. He’s dead. But as my friends and family gather for my big day – all the same people who were there the night Callum vanished – my fear grows. Things go horribly wrong with the wedding plans. And then an anonymous note threatens my son.

This was a great premise and done very well! Super interesting. It had me from the start and didn't let go of me. Highly recommend this one if you enjoy thrillers with twists and turns that you don't see coming! 4⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

Eight years ago, Leah’s husband disappeared at Lake Windermere, his body never found.

Now, Leah is about to marry Matt, who was Callum’s best friend. They are getting married in the place that Callum disappeared.

As strange things happen in the lead up to their wedding, Leah is worrying about who is planning on ruining hers and Matt’s wedding.

When someone sends Leah a message threatening her and Matt’s son, Noah, she is determined to discover what is going on.

I enjoyed this story, it was entertaining as well as an easy read.

An enjoyable whodunnit and I had no idea until nearing the end just what was going on.

A story where everyone has some kind of secret that they don’t want coming out.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Elisabeth Carpenter’s The First Husband is a masterclass in suspense and mystery, weaving a story full of twists that keep readers guessing until the very end. From the outset, the book hooks you with a tantalizing premise: Leah, preparing for her second wedding to Matt—her first husband’s best friend—finds herself revisiting a past shrouded in unanswered questions and unresolved tension.

Carpenter’s pacing is exceptional, with each twist meticulously placed to build intrigue and heighten the suspense. The setting, returning to the very place Leah’s first husband mysteriously disappeared, adds an atmospheric layer that enhances the tension. It’s a constant reminder of the secrets lurking beneath the surface, making the story feel both intimate and unsettling.

Leah is a deeply relatable and well-drawn protagonist, navigating a complex mix of emotions as she balances her present happiness with Matt and the haunting uncertainties of her past. The narrative’s emotional depth is matched by its sharp plotting, creating a story that is as engaging emotionally as it is thrilling.

The First Husband is a gripping page-turner, perfect for fans of domestic thrillers and mysteries that deliver one jaw-dropping revelation after another. Elisabeth Carpenter expertly blends suspense, drama, and human vulnerability, making this novel an unforgettable read.

The First Husband was an enjoyable, easy read with a medium-paced plot and no spice - which I prefer. I really enjoyed the writing style and how the plot unfolds by combining chapters of current and past events without repetitiveness between the two. The characters were well developed, however, I didn’t feel attached to any particular character and would have liked a better emotional connection with the main character. This being said, the author did do a good job creating dislike for the antagonist. Although the plot was complete, it was somewhat predictable and I would have enjoyed a bigger twist. I would recommend this novel to anyone interested in mystery/thrillers with minimal suspense/plot-twists.

A psychological thriller that kept me guessing until the last page. Elisabeth Carpenter is a new author for me. I will read more of her books.

I am so excited that I was sent this novel from Net Galley!
This was such a thrilling page-turner. I loved the dual timeline of the story that gave such insight to the protagonist’s first marriage and current day festivities.
The primal devotion of a mother struck a chord with me as a mom of 4 myself.
I also loved how each character had a mini plot of their own to add to the plot twists throughout.
Loved this one and I think everyone should go out in February and purchase it!

Leah is about to marry Matt, the BFF of her husband Callum - who disappeared 8 years ago. Or did he? This moves back and forth in time to tell the story of Leah and Callum as well as of Leah and Matt. As unrealistic as it might be that Leah and Matt would choose to be. married at the same cabin where bad things happened, go with it. Carpenter has a smooth writing style that pulls you in and keeps you reading. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Leah and Matt are due to get married in two days’ time at a cabin belonging to his parents. A strange choice of venue because, eight years ago, Leah’s husband, Callum (who was also Matt’s best friend), went missing from the same place.

Then Leah receives a loving note, signed ‘Callum’, but he was declared dead after going missing. Things start going wrong with the wedding plans so is Callum still alive or is someone pretending to be him?

A great psychological thriller that I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.