Good Husbands – hardback

Three wives, one letter, an explosive secret that changes everything.

‘Good Husbands is a masterfully compelling, multi-layered novel addressing contemporary issues of power and consent … I couldn’t put it down.’

SARAH HAYWOOD, AUTHOR OF THE CACTUS

Also available in paperback on 25 May 2023.

Three very different mothers all receive the same letter, which accuses their husbands of committing rape 20 years ago. Together they have to work out the right thing to do. In Good Husbands we follow the three women on their journey from disbelief, dissent and fear to something like solidarity. There’s Priyanka, a health and ethics teacher at a local secondary school, Jess, an office manager in art gallery and Steffi, a dental receptionist, finally secure in her second marriage, but struggling with three teen girls. As they try to uncover the truth, the women must work out who they believe, what they should do and whether the men they loved can be trusted ever again …

‘Multilayered, unflinchingly honest, and teeming with nerve-shattering suspense, Good Husbands by Cate Ray had me flying through the pages. Spellbound, I walked the heartbreaking journey right along with the women of Good Husbands – felt their shock, fear and uncertainty as they grappled to do the right thing … Ray has created a much-needed space for complex conversations surrounding consent and whether we really know the people we love. An absolute triumph.’

HEATHER GUDENKAUF, AUTHOR OF THE OVERNIGHT GUEST

‘In an emotional and powerfully evocative story, three women grapple with a discovery that could shatter their lives.’

Liv Constantine, author of The Last Mrs Parrish

‘The most riveting and unflinching he said/she said novel to date, Good Husbands follows three women whose lives are set on a collision course upon the arrival of an unsettling letter about each of their husbands. Absolutely staggering, insanely gripping, and wholly unputdownable, this riveting, unsettling suspense will leave you gasping for air and for answers and will have you turning the pages until the last, final, astonishing twist. With her hypnotic, dazzling prose and captivating characters, Cate Ray is a masterful storyteller at the height of her powers.’

May Cobb, author of THE HUNTING WIVES

‘A searing, compelling and beautifully written story that explores huge themes with honesty and sensitivity. Full of insight and subtle detailing, it will repay multiple rereadings.’

C. J. Cooper, author of The Book Club

‘A brilliant thriller.’

Bella 

‘A gripping novel exploring a life-changing dilemma. An ideal book club read exploring strength in female friendship, questions of truth and loyalty, and the devastating impact of rape.’

CHLOE TIMMS, AUTHOR OF THE SEAWOMEN

‘Good Husbands is a masterfully compelling, multi-layered novel addressing contemporary issues of power and consent. The women’s voices at the heart of the story feel fresh and modern, and I was with the trio every step of the way as they were forced to question the foundations of their most intimate relationships. Honest, at times sad, but ultimately hope-filled, Good Husbands is both a gripping thriller and a thought-provoking exploration of toxic masculinity and female friendship. I couldn’t put it down.’

SARAH HAYWOOD, AUTHOR OF THE CACTUS

‘A thought provoking and intelligent story about friendship, consent and how well we truly know those closest to us. I rooted for the three main characters as they each found their own way of discovering the truth and I had a lump in my throat as I turned the final page. I loved it.’

CLAIRE DOUGLAS, AUTHOR OF THE COUPLE AT NO. 9

‘An unflinching novel, with a totally gripping what-would-I-do premise that sucks you in from the first page. Good Husbands would make a fantastic book club pick.’

Eve Polly Chase, author of The Birdcage and The Glass House

Read an extract. Also available in ebook.