books

Good Husbands

A compelling, beautifully crafted thriller about consent, friendship and prejudice which asks - would you sacrifice your family life in support of another woman?

GOOD HUSBANDS was published in North America in June 2022 by Park Row, Harper Collins, in paperback, E-book & audio. In the UK, the hardback edition & E-book was published by September Publishing in July 2022, and in paperback May 2023.

Available in all good bookstores.

GOOD HUSBANDS was an Apple Best Book in the U.S., a Barnes & Noble Booksellers' Favourite, a Walmart Canada Read of the Month, a Kobo Best in Mystery & Thriller, and a Love Reading UK Staff Pick of the week.

Critical acclaim for Good Husbands:

"This compelling psychological thriller sifts through the aftershocks of a terrible secret. When Jess, Priyanka, and Stephanie each receive a letter accusing their husbands of a years-old sex crime, their lives become intertwined in shocking and uncomfortable ways. As the women probe for answers, they’re forced to reexamine their marriages. That’s when unsettling doubts creep in and the line between truth and lies blurs. Cate Ray does an excellent job raising the tension as she guides the story through alternating points of view, exploring themes of guilt, responsibility, and the treachery of he-said-she-said debates. The result is a gripping and intricate story about women’s courage in the face of something truly dangerous: men with an injured sense of masculinity."

- Apple Books

"In an emotional and powerfully evocative story, three women grapple with a discovery that could shatter their lives. Ray has expertly crafted a thoughtful and important read that ends with a stunning surprise."

- Liv Constantine, international bestselling author of The Last Mrs. Parrish

“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. The page is a window into this timely read and an excellent choice for bookclubs. 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, New York Times bestselling author

“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

"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

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "💕WOW. A masterfully plotted and introspective novel by @cateraywriter 💕Layered, intelligent, and strong messaging about marriage and sexual assault 💕Thoughtfully crafted and intentional characters 💕The three main standpoints on sexual assault are expertly represented and explored."

- @girlwiththepinkskimask

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This read is addictive and compelling. It really challenges your beliefs. All women respond in very different ways and I loved their individuality and their traits. The impacts and surprises will keep you guessing and a twist or two certainly do not disappoint. Clever, engaging. Strap yourself in and keep your eyes open... If you dare 👀👀"

- @Bobsandbooks

"...As the women meet one another and move from emotional paralysis to action, we’re brought to what seems like a definitive showdown. But it’s not the end at all. Ray’s U.S. debut reminds readers, through her storytelling and her portrayal of the women’s undulating emotions, that sometimes what we think will be the end might not even be the most significant part of the story; these women make their own ending, and it includes a startling closing twist. The sadness of lives destroyed is palpable here, but so is the healing force of friendship, not to mention determination. Psychological thriller fans who enjoy strong women characters should add this to their reading plans."

- Henrietta Verma, First Club: 2022 Mystery and Thriller Preview

"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 re-readings."

- C. J. Cooper, author of The Book Club

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

- Chloe Timms, author of The Seawomen

"A brilliant thriller."

- Bella magazine

"Good Husbands by Cate Ray features three women in Bath, strangers to each other, who receive letters naming their husbands as perpetrators of a gang rape years earlier. The shattered wives must decide whether their loyalty lies with the future or the past, with the living or the dead, with their own families or with a girl they never met. The author’s anger is infectious, and she certainly knows how to build the suspense."

- Mat Coward, Crime Fiction, The Morning Star

"Cate Ray does a good job building the story through the revolving lens and voice of each of the three women. Good Husbands is a good fit for readers of domestic mysteries bordering on suspense."

- Booklist

"A suspenseful novel that you can’t put down. It really makes you think…what would you do if you suddenly found out something shocking from the past of someone you love and trust? A perfect book for the beach, pool or just sitting outside and reading."

- RedCarpetCrash

"[Cate Ray] asks whether you can ever REALLY know those closest to you. A terrific psychological thriller with strong female characters and an unpredictable plot."

- Liz Barnsley, book reviewer

"Although Good Husbands isn't exactly a whodunit, it has the benefit of a surprising twist at the end. Ray, as she nears that ending, never loses sight of her protagonists' nuances; they are the ethical heartbeat of the book...Ultimately, Good Husbands is more than just a delicious thrill ride; it is a deeply thoughtful exploration of how a husband's transgression reverberates through his entire family. The complexities Ray explores here offer ample book-club material."

- Lauren Puckett-Pope for ShelfAwareness

"RIVETING READ: in this thought-provoking, pacy read, three very different women receive a letter telling them their husbands were involved in a rape years before.."

- Fabulous magazine, The Sun

"Ray certainly isn’t afraid to bring big issues to the table where females are concerned: racism, sexism, oppression, consent and trust are all explored through the lies of of our protagonists - as well as that of the novel's victims. Each twist and turn in this he-said-she-said saga brings about a new moral debate; we’re forced to consider how we would react in different situations and what we’d be prepared to sacrifice in pursuit of ‘doing the right thing’. This is serious and thought-provoking territory. But just as important to the core of the novel are softer themes of friendship and family, motherhood and sisterhood. The blossoming camaraderie between Jess, Stephanie and Priyanka is a real highlight of this addictive and intricate story. Be prepared to stay up way too late to discover how Ray brings her story to a masterful conclusion!"

- Lindsay Quayle , Expert Reviewer, Love Reading UK

"If ever there was a novel published which asked the question: what would you do, this is it... Writing about the important themes of consent and prejudice, you have to think about whether you'd sacrifice your family life and that is so precious, in support of a woman you haven't met. One to read in one go - it'll absolutely leave an impression."

- Aine Toner, Belfast Telegraph

"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 Chase, author of The Birdcage

The Younger Woman

Coming winter '25!

Good Husbands

Critical acclaim for Good Husbands:

"In an emotional and powerfully evocative story, three women grapple with a discovery that could shatter their lives. Ray has expertly crafted a thoughtful and important read that ends with a stunning surprise."

“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.”

"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 re-readings."

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

"A brilliant thriller."

"Cate Ray does a good job building the story through the revolving lens and voice of each of the three women. Good Husbands is a good fit for readers of domestic mysteries bordering on suspense."

"A suspenseful novel that you can’t put down. It really makes you think…what would you do if you suddenly found out something shocking from the past of someone you love and trust? A perfect book for the beach, pool or just sitting outside and reading."

"[Cate Ray] asks whether you can ever REALLY know those closest to you. A terrific psychological thriller with strong female characters and an unpredictable plot."

"RIVETING READ: in this thought-provoking, pacy read, three very different women receive a letter telling them their husbands were involved in a rape years before.."

"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."

@CateRaywriter

The Younger Woman

Coming winter '25!

Good Husbands

Critical acclaim for Good Husbands:

"In an emotional and powerfully evocative story, three women grapple with a discovery that could shatter their lives. Ray has expertly crafted a thoughtful and important read that ends with a stunning surprise."

“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.”

"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 re-readings."

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

"A brilliant thriller."

"Cate Ray does a good job building the story through the revolving lens and voice of each of the three women. Good Husbands is a good fit for readers of domestic mysteries bordering on suspense."

"A suspenseful novel that you can’t put down. It really makes you think…what would you do if you suddenly found out something shocking from the past of someone you love and trust? A perfect book for the beach, pool or just sitting outside and reading."

"[Cate Ray] asks whether you can ever REALLY know those closest to you. A terrific psychological thriller with strong female characters and an unpredictable plot."

"RIVETING READ: in this thought-provoking, pacy read, three very different women receive a letter telling them their husbands were involved in a rape years before.."

"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."

@CateRaywriter

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