The Younger Woman

"Ray knows how to write about real issues that matter...

"...marriage problems, hidden desires, and the secrets we keep from the people closest to us. She wraps all this up in a story that moves fast and hits hard, just like she did in her previous hit, Good Husbands." Goodreads review

A woman's confession about her husband sparks a dangerous cat-and-mouse game in this riveting domestic thriller

Released February 2025 by Park Row books, Harper Collins in North America, in paperback, Ebook & audiobook.

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Good Husbands

"It felt original and smart...

...I was gripped reading about the women as they carry on their day to day lives...all the while dealing with a ticking bomb. Cate Ray is an excellent writer, encouraging and challenging the reader to ask themselves 'what would I do?'" LibraryThing review

The addictive page-turner with a big question at its heart.

Good Husbands was a Barnes & Noble Booksellers' Favourite, US Apple Best Book, Walmart Canada Read of the Month, Kobo Best in Mystery & Thriller, and a LoveReading Staff Pick of the Week.

Published by September Publishing in the UK; and in North America by Park Row books, Harper Collins.

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Praise for Good Husbands:

"This compelling psychological thriller sifts through the aftershocks of a terrible secret... Cate Ray does an excellent job raising the tension... The result is a gripping and intricate story about women’s courage in the face of something truly dangerous." - Apple Books

"An emotional and powerfully evocative story... 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... an excellent choice for bookclubs... An absolute triumph.” - Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author

“The most riveting and unflinching he said/she said novel to date... Insanely gripping... 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

"Masterfully compelling, multi-layered...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 loved it.” - Claire Douglas, author of The Couple at No. 9

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A masterfully plotted and introspective novel... Layered, intelligent, and strong messaging... Thoughtfully crafted and intentional characters. The three main standpoints on sexual assault are expertly represented and explored." - @girlwiththepinkskimask

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Addictive and compelling. It really challenges your beliefs... Clever, engaging. Strap yourself in and keep your eyes open... If you dare" - @Bobsandbooks

"...Ray’s U.S. debut reminds readers, through her storytelling... that sometimes what we think will be the end might not even be the most significant part of the story... The sadness of lives destroyed is palpable here, but so is the healing force of friendship... 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." - Chloe Timms, author of The Seawomen

"A brilliant thriller." - Bella magazine

"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

"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...thought-provoking, pacy read." - Fabulous magazine, The Sun

"Ray certainly isn’t afraid to bring big issues to the table... 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