Emma Hawke’s first marriage to Derrick was not a match made in heaven. Before their honeymoon was over, he had already shown his true nature, making his new wife’s life a living hell. So when the police show up in the middle of the night to tell Emma that Derrick was shot and killed, she’s shocked, but not sad. Eager to rid herself of anything related to Derrick, she sells their New Jersey home and gets an apartment in New York City. A data geek, Emma concentrates on her business and soon lands, not only a major consulting job at Halliday Advertising, but catches the attention of the firm’s founder and CEO, Tom Halliday. Soon the two are married and settling into a home in Westport, Connecticut. The past, however, is not finished with Emma. Is she now a suspect in Derrick’s murder? And will Tom also be implicated?
Kate White continues to build her fan base with another page turner, the perfect read for the beach, the mountains, and everywhere in between. Besides an intriguing mystery, White creates interesting characters that may remind us, for better or worse, of family and friends in our own lives. Hopefully, none of them are murderers.
When Emma receives word that Derrick is dead, she’s consumed with guilt. Even though she fell in love with Derrick and hoped the marriage would work, she is relieved he is gone. She manages herself well during interviews with the police, specifically NYPD Detective Lisa Webster, trying to appear the grieving widow. But when Webster turns up in Westport to tell Emma Derrick’s case has been reopened, she’s frightened. What if Webster knows her true feelings and believes Emma plotted to rid herself of Derrick? The fact that she remarried so quickly also may raise suspicion. If Webster knows Emma met Tom before Derrick was killed, would she suspect they plotted together?
Emma soon wonders whether she can trust Tom when she turns up evidence that he had his sights set on her after attending two of her talks in Miami and New York. He pushed to have her hired at Halliday. Complicating matters is Brittany, Tom’s stepdaughter who is staying with them for the summer while she interns at Hallliday. Brittany makes it clear she dislikes Emma. When threatening notes are left for Emma on her car and her office, she knows someone is watching her every move. Could it be Kyle, Derrick’s brother? He doesn’t hide that he believes Emma had something to do with Derrick’s murder. Was he responsible for Webster reopening the case? Then there are Taylor and Justine, two women who work with Tom. Do they resent Emma’s relationship with Tom? After all, Emma went from working for the boss to marrying him.
Emma becomes isolated, unsure if there’s anyone she can trust. Fortunately, someone she lost touch with comes back into her life and gives Emma a clue. But will she be able to unmask the killer before anyone else dies?
There are many twists and turns in The Second Husband. There are also some life lessons. Distrust can damage relationships. One lie can easily lead to another until the truth becomes elusive. And sometimes, despite our best efforts, we never truly know the ones we love.
The Second Husband
Kate White
Top: Kate White author photo credit Jordan Matter
