A witty, page-turning, twisty whodunit from the bestselling author of the Hangman series, perfect for fans of Benjamin Stevenson.
Three couples, friends since high school, rent a luxurious house in the mountains for an unplugged weekend of drinking and bushwalking. No internet, no phones, no stress. On the first night, the topic of partner-swapping comes up. It’s a joke – at first.
Not everyone is keen, but an agreement is made. The lights will be turned out. The three women will go into the three bedrooms. The three men will each pick a room at random. It won’t be awkward later, because they won’t know who they’ve slept with – or can pretend they don’t.
But when the lights come back on, one of the men is dead. No one will admit to being his partner. The phones still don’t work, and now the car key is missing. They’re stranded. And the killer is just getting started…
Buy a copy of Kill Your Husbands here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
A very good story with interesting characters and red herrings to make it difficult to foresee the ending. I will be seeing what else I can find by this author. Kerrie, NSW, 5 Stars
Never having read a Jack Heath novel, after reading Kill Your Husbands, I look forward to reading more. The book is an enjoyable, easy read with short chapters swapping from character to character and present time to earlier. It has several twists, which keeps you guessing until the end. A wonderful book that I would recommend to any reader of crime fiction. Kerri, VIC, 5 Stars
Absolutely brilliant. Kill Your Husbands is my first book by Jack Heath. I love a good whodunit, and this does not disappoint. Just when I thought I’d figured it out the author threw me a curve ball and then another and another (you get the picture). The only obvious choice I had was to not put the book down and spend my whole weekend reading it. If you’re going to start reading this book be prepared to forget everything else until you’ve finished it. Trudy, SA, 5 Stars
Kill Your Husbands by Jack Heath was a great read. This was the first book I have read by this author and it did not disappoint. The book centres around three couples, and a detective and her partner. The three couples take a short break at a secluded house out in the middle of nowhere, there is no connection with the outside world and no close-by neighbours. During an evening of drinking and game playing it is suggested that they swap partners, the rules of which being that nobody was to know with whom they had been. This is where it all begins to go wrong; there is jealousy, suspicion and long-held grudges that come into play, and inevitably murder ensues. The three couples are not terribly likeable, each having their own flaws. The detective entrusted with bringing a murderer to justice also has her own challenges to climb. Overall the book is a well-paced page-turner. It kept me guessing to the end who the culprit was. I would certainly recommend this book. Kelly, VIC, 5 Stars
What an excellent, binge-worthy, keeps you guessing right to the very end, witty, clever novel! Set at a holiday house outside of town high in the mountains, with no reception, three couples book in for a weekend away to get away. Old high school friends with years of history, at first it’s just their usual catch-ups and laughing over meals, but as the weekend progresses, and after a suggestion to “partner swap” goes ahead, and once everyone begins to resurface, they realise someone is missing… Constable Kiara Lui is leading the case and decides to book the house for a weekend away with her girlfriend Elise, to get a closer perspective on the case, while trying to figure out who is telling the truth. Told from each character’s point of view, giving you an overall perspective, but while still maintaining the mystery of “whodunnit”, you will not be able to put this down! This is my first Jack Heath book and it definitely won’t be my last!! Emilie, VIC, 5 Stars
Clear your schedules, readers, because this is a read-in-one-sitting and stay-up-all-night kinda book. Your eyes will be stinging and your brain whirling by the end but I guarantee it is worth it. Jack Heath is a powerhouse in Australian psychological and crime fiction writing and his latest offering, Kill Your Husbands, firmly cements his reputation for dark, gritty and tightly woven thrillers that twist and turn until the very end. Kill Your Husbands has a unique storyline that is a fresh twist on the whodunnit genre – three couples decide to try swinging, almost like spin-the-bottle but for adults only. Rules firmly in place, the game begins with a deadly consequence – one of the husbands is dead. Throughout the book my allegiances for each character frequently changed; one moment I have deep sympathy for someone, the next I am firmly convinced they must be the killer. Jack made it so easy to see the thoughts in all their heads and how each impacted their interactions with one another. The only character I felt remained consistent throughout was Detective Sargent Kiara Lui but of course no one is perfect… Emily, VIC, 5 Stars
A great thriller that keeps you engaged and guessing right until the last minute. It’s a tale that twists around six friends, who are experiencing their own struggles, as a couple and individually, and learning that not all is as it seems, to the deadly detriment of some of their friends. Intertwined into the storyline are the inner struggles of the investigating detective, and a good lesson on how you shouldn’t make assumptions, that communication is key in all relationships in life! A first-time reader of Jack Heath, will definitely be reading more! Pennie, QLD, 5 Stars
This was a roller coaster of a read – just when I thought I’d figured things out new details would emerge that changed my thinking again. A fast-paced novel told from multiple perspectives and a great premise for a novel – I couldn’t put it down. Charlotte, WA, 5 Stars
I read this book on a weekend road trip with my husband (brave man)! There were several times that I had to read portions out loud to him and we both agreed it was a good book. There were a few things that I hadn’t heard of before and I did get a little lost with the names of various characters and their surnames, but I soon worked that out. There were so many ‘twists and turns’ and I really enjoyed the book and finally getting to the end to find out who had ‘done it’! Christina, SA, 5 Stars
Jack Heath has created interesting characters in Kill Your Husbands. A who-done-it story with unexpected twists and turns. This book will have you hooked as you try to guess who done it. Jan, WA, 5 Stars
No harmless hanky panky here: someone has murder on their mind at a weekend away for three couples all with secret hopes and expectations of what may transpire. Old and new alliances, betrayals and secrets bubble under the surface, and when the games turn bad and death rears its ugly head, distrust, fear and blind panic ensue. It’s up to Senior Constable Klara Lui to sort the chaff from the wheat and uncover the culprit/culprits after speaking to survivors and spending time with her girlfriend at the murder house looking for missed clues. Kill Your Husbands is a page-turner with interesting characters in a fun/not fun situation at a typical seemingly idyllic turned isolated house of horrors. Fast-paced with twists and turns and a cute ending to round it off. Put this on your summer reading list! Thanks to Better Reading for the ARC. Lesley, QLD, 5 Stars
I enjoyed reading this book. It’s a thriller fiction story set in Warrigal. Three couples went for a weekend getaway in a mountain. Only three survived! What’s going on in that rental property? Is the killer amongst them? Senior Constable Kiara Lui successfully worked out who is the killer. Thumbs up to the author! Smart plot. Margaret, NSW, 5 Stars
Having never read any of Jack Heath’s books before, I was pleasantly surprised by Kill Your Husbands. It was a very intriguing, gripping read. It had me hooked from start to finish, a very twisty whodunit, always keeping me guessing and second-guessing each character. I actually didn’t work it out until the very end, I couldn’t see it coming! I really enjoyed Jack Heath’s style of writing, it kept me engaged and interested the whole way through. I was never bored and the novel never had any ‘boring’ parts like some novels do. I can honestly say I don’t have anything negative to say about this book. I’m very impressed and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m a huge bookworm and I absolutely loved this!!! Lauren, SA, 5 Stars
A highly acclaimed novel that has garnered positive reviews for its engaging and twisty narrative. Described as a witty, page-turning whodunit, it is perfect for fans of suspenseful and complex mysteries. The book is a follow-up to Heath’s Kill Your Brother and continues to showcase his talent for crafting clever, sly, and twisty murder mysteries and thrillers. I loved Kill Your Husbands for its suspense, surprises, and humor, underscoring Jack Heath’s skill in balancing thrilling elements with entertaining writing. Additionally, the book is characterized as adventurous, dark, emotional, funny, mysterious, and tense, with a fast-paced narrative. It offers a mix of plot-driven and character-driven elements, featuring strong character development. However, it’s noted that while the cast of characters is diverse, they may not all be considered lovable, focusing more on their complex nature rather than their endearing qualities. Overall, Kill Your Husbands appears to be a highly recommended read for those who enjoy murder mysteries and thrillers, particularly those who appreciate a blend of humor, suspense, and intricate plotting. Ariba, NSW, 5 Stars
A gripping read, masterfully spun so that I could not predict it at all! What I believed and what was the truth turned out to be two different stories! And that makes it so clever, I loved this book! Kylie, NSW, 5 Stars
Oh my goodness, what a wild ride! Imagine: a book called Kill Your Husbands, written by a male… and dedicated to his wife! I knew this would be a goodie, and it did not disappoint!! If you’re looking for a dark, twisted, chilling thriller, then this is for you. It had me reading until the early hours and guessing right through until the final pages – brilliant! I loved everything about it – the real and flawed characters, the way they spoke to each other (the way you do to people you’ve known forever, but don’t necessarily like) the isolated location, the wit and banter, the smells, the fear, oh the fear! Jack Heath has me hooked and I will be recommending this to anyone who likes to read a book that makes their heart race! Kate, VIC, 5 Stars
I am so lucky to have scored a copy of Kill Your Husbands by Jack Heath. It has to be one of my favourite books this year. I found it equal parts disturbing and hilarious. The storyline kept me on my toes, just when I would roll my eyes and think “oh this is so predictable” along comes another plot twist and I have to start my guessing again. The characters are all so relatable, every reader would know them from their own friendship group. The writing style was fast-paced, snappy, to the point and energetic. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, even through the most horrific scenes. Chloe, VIC, 5 Stars
It was a pleasure to read this book which was unadulterated Australian. Often books are based in Australia but have been written for international readers. The story, whilst a murder mystery with the twists, turns suspense that goes with a well-written plot, was a deep look at human relationships. I highly recommend this book. Louise, NSW, 5 Stars
A fast-paced murder mystery with numerous twists and turns that made it a page-turner for me. I couldn’t put it down. The story is told from multiple points of view and alternate timelines, but the chapters are clearly labelled so there is no confusion. I loved the clever use of characters’ first names in the flashbacks and surnames in the present. It really added to the puzzle of who is dead and who is missing. I suspected just about everyone at various points in the story. Three couples at a holiday rental on an isolated mountain – secrets, lies, deceptions, misconceptions and toxic friendships are gradually revealed. Throw in a murder or two, add dark humour to the mix and stir. What’s not to love? Although it may be helpful to have read Kill Your Brother first, this second novel to feature newly-promoted Senior Constable Kiara Lui reads well as a stand-alone. I thoroughly recommend it. Pamela, QLD, 5 Stars
An electrifying roller-coaster ride of suspense and intrigue! This gripping tale of three couples’ seemingly innocent weekend takes a dark turn with the shocking disappearance of one guest. The web of mysteries and unexpected twists keep you guessing until the very end. The brain-teasing plot and the intricately woven characters make it impossible to put down. As Senior Constable Kiara Lui delves into the chilling case, the tension escalates, leaving you on the edge of your seat. The exploration of trust, deception, and survival adds depth to this heart-pounding thriller. A must-read for fans of psychological mysteries! Charmaine, QLD, 5 Stars
This is my second book by the author so I had high hopes… which it exceeded! Great for crime fans and anyone with a darker sense of humour, this was a great read I raced through. Got to go read his back catalogue now. Christina, WA, 5 Stars
First book from Jack Heath that I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. The book is a murder mystery that evolves over two timelines – the first timeline is three couples getting together for the weekend at an isolated retreat before disaster ensues. The second timeline is a week or two after the murders from the point of view of one of the detectives. The book cleverly refers to the characters by their first names in the first timeline and their surnames in the second timeline so it leaves you wondering who is who – but in a good way! I loved the “locked room” setup of the mystery so you could focus on just a few potential suspects. There were also smaller mysteries wrapped inside the larger one which were all solved (sometimes unexpectedly!) by the end. Highly recommended and I’ll go and grab some more Jack Heath books. Thank you Better Reading for the opportunity to review before publication. Sean, ACT, 5 Stars
A pacey suspended novel that I found I couldn’t put down. I felt like l had known the characters personally all my life and so I needed to know their fate as soon as possible. A truly thrilling story, well worth the read. Julie, NSW, 5 Stars
My goodness – the twists and turns in this book! Some of the characters are quite detestable and others you feel quietly sorry for. With a side of a relationship about to go wrong involving a police officer and her life partner, this book grabbed my attention and kept it till I finished it in one sitting. Denise, NSW, 4 Stars
I enjoyed this book, and with all its twists and turns, I found myself having to constantly reassess who was guilty! All of the characters were believable – not necessarily likeable though! I found the interactions between each character and their backstories really interesting. I also liked the slightly black humour, and the way the story unfolded, jumping between different points of view and the before and after timelines. This was my first Jack Heath book, and I now wish I had read Kill Your Brother. I will be on the lookout for more of his books in the future. Dari, WA, 4 Stars
What a brilliant story that is way out of my normal reading scope. Thoroughly enjoyed it once I had begun reading. Joel, VIC, 4 Stars
I really enjoyed this book – so many layers and subplots: crime, sex, psychologically damaged characters, what’s not to love? The premise hooked me from the start, and I was unsure of what everyone’s true motives were until the very end. Cue a delightfully haphazard murder spree – if one can ever call murder delightful – and watch as everyone takes turns throwing each other under the bus – then if possible, reversing over them as well. Take this on holiday and chill, relax and enjoy! Kathy, VIC, 4 Stars
A cracker of a read. Love a book set in an isolated location with no phone contact and the resulting storm, both in the weather and amongst the characters. The story moved along at a galloping pace and kept the reader engaged. None of the characters were particularly likeable but this didn’t matter as the plot was enough to hold the reader’s attention. Will there be a sequel? Maybe. I recommend this book. Judi, NSW, 4 Stars
As someone who is quite new to the thriller/murder genre of books, I really enjoyed this one. The dual perspective of storytelling was done so well that while we were also experiencing the timeline from the victim’s point of view, we didn’t actually know which character related to the investigated characters from the detective’s point of view… It was very well done, and kept the mystery alive. While it was captivating from the start, it was slower paced – a nice easy read – until I reached the second half of the book in which it was so gripping it kept me up after midnight, because I could not go to sleep until I knew “who done it”. I’d recommend this to crime/mystery/thriller lovers, and also those yet to spend much time exploring that genre. Danae, TAS, 4 Stars
Having not read any Jack Heath novels before, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Kill Your Husbands, but I was more than pleasantly surprised at just how clever and witty the author is! Full of twists, turns and dark humour, I could not put it down. I was kept guessing about who the murderer was and I will definitely be reading more of his work. Laura, WA, 4 Stars
Jack Heath has long been a personal favourite because of his teen thrillers, but this is the first of his adult books that I’ve read. The story is convoluted, and part of its charm is that we don’t really know who anyone is and are not really encouraged to like the characters. The premise of three couples hiring a house and venturing into an evening of partner-swapping was very novel and therefore intriguing. Heath’s writing cleverly keeps us guessing as to who is in each bedroom and who might have motive for murdering anyone else in the group. I am glad that I was able to read it in long sessions, rather than my more usual 20-page stints, though, otherwise this would have been VERY confusing. The book reminded me of Benjamin Stevenson’s Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone which I did not finish for that same reason. Highly recommended to anyone who has read too many bog-standard murder mysteries. This one is certainly different! Heidi, VIC, 4 Stars
By the end of the first chapter I knew I was hooked. It was hard to put this book down. Twists, turns and crazy behaviour filled the pages of this crime fiction novel. Three couples, friends from high school, decide to spend a weekend away, in a remote location, to enjoy each other’s company. When the idea of couple swapping is suggested, the concept of ‘enjoying each other’s company’ takes a twist, some are in it for the thrill, while others are hoping it fills a void in their current relationship. What was anticipated as a risque night, ends up becoming a night of murder. Friends become enemies, couples turn their backs on each other and not all of them make it out alive. The narrative switches between the friends (before and during the event) and a detective Kiara (after the event). The narrative is well-balanced, providing little morsels of details that the reader accumulates to paint the whole picture. Jack Heath has proven his versatility as an author and ability to write fiction that captivates all ages. Priscilla, ACT, 4 Stars
A twisty, dark whodunnit that leaves you guessing till the end. Enjoyable! Mopsy, VIC, 4 Stars
Kill Your Husbands is an easy-to-read and enjoyable crime novel with humour thrown in. The characters have personalities that are relatable, and in most cases, likeable too. It follows the planned weekend where high school friends come together on a holiday with the idea of swapping partners. I feel for the “fresh” detective Kiara who’s trying to solve the mystery. Even going as far as renting the murder house for a romantic weekend with her partner! Kill Your Husbands keeps you guessing about who out of the high school friends had committed the evil crime. Sharnee, QLD, 4 Stars
Kill Your Husbands is so cleverly written. I was engrossed from start to finish. I frequently had to reassess my thoughts and suspicions regarding the relationships between the characters, their guilty secrets and hidden desires. Not only is the reader kept guessing about who the murderer is, but the precise identities of the victims are part of the puzzle, too! Highly recommended. Thanks to the author and Better Reading for the opportunity to read and review this book. Charlene, WA, 4 Stars
I have finished reading this book and couldn’t put it down. I don’t normally read crime novels but this one was so captivating. It kept me on edge till the end as couldn’t work out who the killer was. Friends that appear to be friends are not always who you think they are. Well written and would recommend it to anyone who loves crime novels. Kaye, VIC, 4 Stars
This book absolutely has you sitting on edge, the whole ride through. This is way more than just partner swapping, the layers to each story, the way that you know these people by their first name during their chapters but by last names with the detective’s chapters is brilliant at withholding information until just the perfect time, allowing your own mind to leap to conclusions. Rae, NSW, 4 Stars
Quite an enjoyable book as I couldn’t guess who did the deed. The characters are sometimes referred to by their first names only and other times by their married names so trying to pin it all together, who is who, kept me reading carefully. The characters each have their own issues and they are further complicated when they all keep things from their spouses. It brings out the importance of communicating with your partner. I particularly liked Oscar and Isla’s relationship and the real problems they each think they have. The side story is the policewoman Kiara and her relationship with her partner Elise, this also kept me guessing. A good read. Tracey, NSW, 4 Stars
I jumped into this book with gusto, but to be honest, I staggered out feeling a little disappointed and underwhelmed. To be fair, with so much rattling round this reader’s head as the silly season began, perhaps it wasn’t the best time to be reading a novel like this with multiple characters, and supposedly lots of twists and turns. Better as a holiday read all in one go, rather than a chapter or two each night with a very tired brain. I found myself so confused, I had to reread passages to reconnect with who was married to who, who had done what, and said which, and in the end, I had to make notes to keep me on track. Susan, QLD, 3 Stars
A dark story about how we never really leave high school behind and the insecurities of life. Leanne, SA, 3 Stars
While I enjoyed the overall premise of the book, it didn’t really flow, and the timeline felt a bit clunky. I also felt that the title didn’t quite fit the story. However the author did a good job of building suspense and the character profiles, and I didn’t guess at the suspect. Overall a good read that I would recommend. Laura, NSW, 3 Stars
A group of friends from university get together for what turns out to be a naughty and deadly weekend. The story has many twists and turns and not until the end does the reader learn the truth. I have read other Jack Heath’s books and this is not as dark as his previous novels. Quite enjoyable but not as gut-grabbing as others. Vivien, ACT, 3 Stars
I am sorry to say that this was not a favourite book of mine. I do think it depends on your frame of mind when you read a book and sometimes the two don’t gel. At a different time I may have enjoyed it more. Whilst the premise of the book was intriguing, I did not find any of the main characters endearing, but maybe that was the point. I struggled with the first part of the book but by the middle I was intrigued to know how it was all going to work out. There were twists and turns that were unexpected and the storyline was wrapped up well at the end in my opinion. This is just my opinion, everyone’s tastes are different and you may enjoy it more than me! Tracey, WA, 2 Stars
Leave a Reply