The Husband’s Secret

The Husband's Secret

The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty

The Husband’s Secret was an unexpected choice for me as I don’t usually seek out mystery, and am always wary of it getting too dark and creepy. Luckily Liane Moriarty filled the bill on a great, suspenseful read. 

A mysterious sealed letter from her husband- to be opened after his death- turns Cecilia Fitzpatrick’s ordered life into a tailspin. Does she open it? Why does her husband act strangely when she mentions it? Doesn’t she know everything about her husband?

Moriarty effectively entwines the lives of three women: Cecilia, Rachel and Tess. Cecilia is the one who thinks she has it all: the put-together stay-at-home society mom with the perfect family, Rachel, still grieving the loss of her daughter 20 years ago, is consumed by the need to solve the murder, and regularly shares her suspicions with the police;  Tess, mother of one, is the owner of her own company and running away from her husband’s betrayal. We learn about each woman in her own voice, from her own point of view.

It seems unlikely that these three women would have any connection to each other, that they would be any more to each other than old school friends, or casual community acquaintances—and especially unlikely that they would be those who are ultimately affected by the secret contained in the letter. However, as the story unfolds and the women discover the secret, they become unexpectedly connected to each other. 

They each face up to the secrets and lies they individually have been holding onto and learn some unexpected truths about themselves and those around them. Their lives are forever changed by the secret: it is simultaneously freeing and confining, and demonstrates how the consequences of our actions affect not only ourselves, but also those around us.

This is a good read for mild mystery seekers. It is full of suspense and unexpected turns that keep you guessing…even when you think you have it all figured out.

For other popular reading suggestions check out Richmond Public Library's Web site at www.yourlibrary.ca/goodbooks/.