The Husband's Secret

By: Liane Moriarty

Narrated by: Caroline Lee

Length: 13 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

"My darling Cecilia, if you’re reading this, then I’ve died...."

Imagine that your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine, too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest secret - something with the potential to destroy not just the life you built together, but the lives of others as well. Imagine, then, that you stumble across that letter while your husband is still very much alive....

Cecilia Fitzpatrick has achieved it all - she's an incredibly successful businesswoman, a pillar of her small community, and a devoted wife and mother. Her life is as orderly and spotless as her home. But that letter is about to change everything, and not just for her: Rachel and Tess barely know Cecilia - or each other - but they too are about to feel the earth-shattering repercussions of her husband’s secret.

Acclaimed author Liane Moriarty has written a gripping, thought-provoking novel about how well it is really possible to know our spouses - and, ultimately, ourselves.

©2013 Liane Moriarty (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Spellbinding.... A knockout!” (Emily Giffin, New York Times best-selling author)

“The Husband’s Secret is so good, you won’t be able to keep it to yourself.” (USA Today)

“Lip-smacking and sharply intelligent.” (Entertainment Weekly)

Ended well

This was a hard one to get into. I've never been a fan of people who can't internalize their thoughts, and that's basically the way this book reads. Listening to someone's entire thought process. I think I may have liked it better reading it, than listening to it. As a mom to a toddler, I listen to whining all day, and felt like I was listening to whining throughout the book. Annoying. Finally, about 2/3 way through the book I finally became interested and listened all the way through the end completely engulfed. Maybe it was the narrator, but I think I would've preferred reading this one instead.

Lots of dull stereotypes, reasonably enjoyable

Like most Liane Moriarty books, the storyline was well crafted and gripping enough to keep you listening -- but tired of gender roles, and stereotypes can induce some eye rolls, in this one its mostly directed at one particular 'overweight' character. Over and over the author flippantly remarks on the character's presumed unattractiveness. It's wildly boring and incredibly frequent.

Otherwise, there is some surprisingly good observational writing in here and ha story has enough twists and turns to keep the listener engaged.

Read it!

I have found that I really enjoy Her writing style! I always feel connected to her characters. I laugh, I cry, I worry right along with them! This is another great book!

Sometimes it what you don't know that haunts you.

Where does The Husband's Secret rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I give it ten thumbs up.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I don't think I had a favorite. I like Tess and her mother. I understand Rachel and her search for the truth. Cecelia pisses me off but her loyalty is to her husband. Tess is strong and I laugh my ass off at bold moves to get her life back. I like her character the most.

Have you listened to any of Caroline Lee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No but I like the accent.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I actually listened to this book in one day with my son of all people. It begins slow but has a great impact on you leaving you with your mouth open. My son typically thinks my audiobooks are annoying but he liked this one.

Any additional comments?

I loved the book but I loved the ending the best. It makes you really think about your actions. Cause and effect.

fabulous even through two listens!

I have listened to this book twice now and enjoyed it each time. the narrator is easy to listen to and does a great job as well.

Beautifully told story!

I absolutely loved this book. The narration was excellent. The story was excellent. It ended way too soon.

not one, single, fluid ounce of suspense

Performance was not obnoxious, characters were relatable but a bit dull, and the one situation that could have held any tension was a sad balloon, blowing stale wind over the rest of the story. I listened to it while painting rooms of my house- it was just fine for that but I doubt I will "read" another of her books.

Great Book

A little complicated in the beginning trying to remember and place the characters. Has some interesting twists and turns. A very enjoyable book.

Good book, interesting story.

Caroline Lee did an exceptional job telling the story of these three women and how their lives fit together. I enjoyed this book.

Great read

I really enjoyed this book! The plot definitely didn't go the way that you would imagine! I would recommend this story to anyone!