Her Second Husband by Jane E. James

Her Second Husband

Love in the afterlife is a trickster's game

Written byJane E. James
Narrated byClaire Rushbrook
Length10h52m
Release dateJune 6, 2024
LanguageEnglish
★★★☆ 3.9 (219 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorJane E. James
NarratorClaire Rushbrook
Runtime10h52m
PublishedJune 6, 2024
Rating★★★☆ 3.9 / 5 (219 ratings)
CategoriesLiterature & Fiction, Genre Fiction, Psychological, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Thriller & Suspense, Crime Thrillers
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

Jane E. James crafts a razor-sharp psychological puzzle that hinges on one impossible question: what if love doesn’t just outlast death, but weaponizes it? *Her Second Husband* disrupts the traditional haunted-by-loss narrative by swapping grief for something far more sinister—an ex-husband who refuses to stay buried, both literally and emotionally. The story unfolds like a slow-burn thriller disguised as domestic realism, where online dating becomes the battleground for a battle no one saw coming. James’ prose is clinical yet laced with dark humor, a tone that keeps the book from slipping into full-blown horror while still making your skin prickle. The real kicker? The book dares to ask whether grief might just be the most powerful form of manipulation there is.

The audiobook’s distinctiveness lies in Claire Rushbrook’s narration—a masterclass in restraint that makes every whispered threat and awkward laugh feel intimate. Rushbrook’s ability to shift between brittle sarcasm and genuine vulnerability sells the protagonist’s psychological unravelling, especially in the novel’s quieter moments where the horror simmers just below the surface. The pacing is deliberate, milking tension like a slow squeeze until the stakes feel personal, even if the premise sounds preposterous on paper.

Tags: psychological thriller audiobookghost love story fictionfemale protagonist suspenseClaire Rushbrook narrationliterary fiction with dark humor

Why Listen to Her Second Husband?

  • Expert narration by Claire Rushbrook brings every character and scene to life across 10h52m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 3.9 stars by 219 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

Claire Rushbrook’s narration is the secret weapon of this audiobook, transforming what could’ve been a gimmicky premise into something unsettlingly believable. Her voice captures the protagonist’s dry wit and creeping paranoia with eerie precision—think the inner monologue of Fleabag meets the eerie calm of *The Others*. That said, the book’s biggest gamble is its central hook: a dead ex who won’t stay dead? It’s a premise that could’ve veered into campy territory, but James’ tight plotting and Rushbrook’s measured delivery keep it grounded. The romantic elements feel underdeveloped, though, leaving the emotional payoff a little uneven compared to the relentless psychological tension. The production quality is flawless—no distracting glitches or tinny dialogue—though the audiobook’s length (over 10 hours) might test patience during the quieter stretches. The ending lands with a gut-punch of ambiguity, which is bold, but it also makes the slow-burn payoff feel like a punchline rather than a revelation. Still, if you’re a fan of unreliable narrators and stories that blur the line between psychological drama and supernatural thriller, this is a darkly satisfying listen with just enough bite to linger long after the credits roll.

Download: Her Second Husband

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Her Second Husband by Jane E. James is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Claire Rushbrook with a runtime of 10h52m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.