27 Oct Review: THE MISSING HUSBAND BY AMANDA BROOKE

Oh man, let me tell you about my recent adventure with “The Missing Husband” by Amanda Brooke. It was one of those spontaneous Twitter wins where I snagged an ARC, and I was beyond excited! A bunch of my bookish friends had already sung praises for Amanda Brooke’s previous novels, so my expectations were sky-high.

What’s it about?

Picture this: Jo, five months pregnant and living what seems to be the perfect life with her husband David. But, as with any good psychological thriller, there’s more than meets the eye. Jo is hiding a secret from David, and their seemingly blissful marriage is anything but. After a heated argument, David heads off to Leeds for a training course, and—poof—he vanishes. No trace, no leads, just a whole lot of questions. Jo is left in a whirlwind of emotions, from guilt to devastation, especially with a baby on the way.

As the story unfolds, we’re taken on a journey through Jo’s mind and heart. She finds herself piecing together cryptic clues that make her question everything she thought she knew about David and their relationship. The police aren’t much help, leaning towards the theory that David just up and left to start a new life. But Jo’s gut tells her there’s more to the story. The narrative weaves through her grief, paranoia, and the shocking realizations that turn her world upside down.

What This Chick Thinks

Alright, let’s dive in. I was all in from the start—hooked by the drama, the mystery, and Jo’s raw, palpable emotions. This book is a roller coaster of feels, and I was right there with Jo through every twist and turn. Amanda Brooke has this knack for crafting characters who feel incredibly real. Jo, in particular, resonated with me. Sure, some might find her too weak or too emotional, but I saw her as someone genuinely grappling with an unbearable situation.

The pacing? Well, it’s a slow burn. And while I know that might put off some readers, for me, it worked. It gave me time to really connect with Jo and the supporting characters—flawed as they all were. It made the stakes feel that much higher. Jo’s panic attacks and anxiety felt authentic, and that added a layer of depth to the story. Mental health is portrayed with a sensitivity and realism that hit close to home.

But here’s where it gets tricky: the ending. I was all set for a mind-blowing twist, something that would leave me gasping. Instead, it was a bit underwhelming. It wasn’t predictable, which is a huge plus, but it didn’t quite pack the punch I was hoping for. That said, the journey to get there was worth every page.

Final Thoughts

In the end, “The Missing Husband” was a gripping, emotional ride that I thoroughly enjoyed. Amanda Brooke poured her heart into this one, and it shows. While the ending didn’t blow me away, the experience was still incredibly satisfying. I’d give it a solid 8 out of 10.

Try it if you like:

1. “Remember Me This Way” by Sabine Durrant – For a tale of suspense and mystery with deep psychological insights and emotional layers.
2. “The Good Girl” by Mary Kubica – If you’re into psychological thrillers that keep you guessing with complex characters and dark secrets.
3. “What Remains of Me” by Alison Gaylin – This one’s got all the twists and an engaging, intricate plot that will leave you questioning everything.

Happy reading, and may your next book be just as thrilling!