The Husband's Secret - Debra Webb (HI #2362 - June 2026)

Series: Colby Agency: Next Generation (Book 5)
 
Her ex's mysterious death
…is now theirs to solve.
 
When Brenda Devers sees her estranged -- and recently deceased -- husband, Scott, at the airport, she reels in shock. She'd buried him three weeks ago -- hadn't she? Only now his business troubles have thrust Brenda and her young daughter into sudden do-or-die jeopardy. Luckily the single mom's new neighbor, Ben Clark, is smart, attractive and seemingly trustworthy when police and the FBI are not. A top Colby private investigator, Ben's been hired to protect Brenda. But as he helps her uncover the truth about Scott, the danger factor amps up -- and her worst nightmare might be coming true.
 
Fast-paced suspense with a little romance that kept me hooked from the start. Brenda is a mystery author and mother whose cheating estranged husband died in an explosion three weeks earlier. Imagine her shock when she spots him at LAX on her way home from a business meeting. By the time she gets home, she has nearly convinced herself that she was imagining things. Then the police arrive with the news that Scott was under investigation, and they suspect she knows something.
 
Already freaked out by the possible Scott sighting and learning of his illicit business dealings, things go from bad to worse when someone breaks into her home during the night. The cryptic message "Where is it?" is painted on her garage door. Enter Ben Clark, her new neighbor, a steady shoulder for her to lean on. Ben is kind, smart, and knows the right questions to ask. When Brenda begins to question his convenient presence, he confesses that he and his employer, Colby Agency, were hired by Scott to keep her and her daughter safe.
 
As Brenda and Ben dig into Scott's past and his secrets, the danger intensifies. Break-ins, explosions, and a frightening number of dead bodies keep them on their toes. Every secret revealed opens the door to more questions, and the authorities are of very little help. Every time I thought I had a handle on where the story was going, another twist threw me off. The final confrontation kept me glued to the pages until it was over, with a resolution that made sense when all was revealed.
 
I enjoyed watching Ben and Brenda's relationship develop. I liked Ben's sensitivity and patience as Brenda processed everything that happened. He doesn't push or take over and ensures that Brenda's concerns are addressed. It's clear from the start that he is attracted to her, but is determined to keep things professional. At the same time, his steadiness and understanding show Brenda what has been missing in her life. I liked how they acknowledged their growing connection at the end and their desire to see where it goes without any grand insta-love declarations.