The Husbands by Chandler Baker has been described as a feminist thriller. The story follows a group of high-powered career women such as a writer, therapist, surgeon, tech company CEO, and realtor—all who live in the community of Dynasty Ranch. When Nora, a lawyer, falls in love with one of the homes in the community, she soon gets to know the women of Dynasty Ranch and the secrets they hold.
Nora is asked to investigate the death of Richard, one of the husbands in the community. As she digs into Richard’s death, she uncovers more secrets from the community. But that’s not all, she soon discovers that the men of Dynasty Ranch are unlike her own husband in that they help their wives with the children, household chores, and even plan extravagant events for the residents of Dynasty Ranch. These doting men seem to support their wives, while also raving about all they do.
The Husbands isn’t just a thriller, but it’s a contemporary novel that brings up topics such as male and female equality in the household, the pressures women face to get ahead in the workplace while raising a family, the complexities of female friendships, and the societal influences, expectations, and responsibilities that women carry in their day-to-day lives.
The Husbands virtual book club discussion brought up a lively talk about the pressures women face when trying to make it all work out at home, at work, and in their personal relationships.
