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Maria Frankland
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The Married Couple: An utterly compelling and twist-filled domestic psychological thriller Kindle Edition

by Maria Frankland (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 605 ratings
‘I absolutely loved this… Tore through it at breakneck speed… It kept me up last night… I had to know how it was going to end… My heart just broke!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My wife is dead. No one believes that I’m innocent – and honestly, if I were them, I wouldn’t either. Everything you ever read, anything that makes the news? It’s always the husband.

Beautiful, bright-eyed Michelle Jackson, a loving wife and mother, has been killed. Her husband Paul is accused of murdering her. Their little girl Emily, numb with grief, is refusing to speak. You’ll hate Paul for what he’s done.

Everyone said they were the perfect couple, always holding hands. They did everything together. But when you hear about their whispered arguments and the terrible lies they both told, you’ll be certain Paul is guilty.

But everything you think you know is wrong. After all, behind closed doors every marriage has secrets. And some are deadlier than others…

This book was previously published as The Man Behind Closed Doors.

Perfect for fans of Daniel Hurst, Andrea Mara and The Guilty Couple, this is a completely absorbing and shocking domestic thriller with an utterly unexpected twist.

Read what everyone’s saying about The Married Couple:

‘Wow!… Too many late nights because I could not put it down! 5 out of 5 ⭐s!… AMAZING!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘BREATHTAKING… Unexpected twist and turns… Absolutely incredible. I was not able to put the book down… I would 100% recommend.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Absolutely amazing… Had me captivated throughout… Page-turning… 5 stars.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘What a rollercoaster… Had me on the edge of my seat… I thought for sure I had it figured out but nope, not even close!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A major twist!!!! You won’t be able to put this book down and it will stay with you long after it ended.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Brilliantly written… Would I recommend it? You bet I would.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘What an absolute rollercoaster… I experienced every form of emotion… A book that I just couldn’t put down.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Omg yes loved it. Twists and turns to the end. Like literally the last page.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Absolutely wicked read. Got me hooked from the start and needed to finish it… Brilliant.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow! Maria Frankland hits it out of the park once again!… Her best book yet.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘5*… Gripping page turner…’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    364 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    August 6, 2024
  4. File size
    1.7 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D4B25RSN
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bookouture (August 6, 2024)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 6, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.7 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 364 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 605 ratings

About the author

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Maria Frankland

Maria Frankland

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Maria Frankland has a dubious internet search history and a very worried mother-in-law. However, neither of these things can stop her writing gripping psychological thrillers in which you’ll never find a happy-ever-after.

Her novels are mostly set in Otley in Yorkshire where you’ll hear the accent through all her characters. These are people you could live next door to, or closer still… don’t say you haven’t been warned.

Maria’s novels are fast-paced, down to earth and realistic. You never know what’s around the corner…

Follow Maria on Amazon by clicking that white follow button - Happy reading!

For film and TV rights enquiries, contact: maria@mariafrankland .co.uk

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
605 global ratings

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Full of twists
5 out of 5 stars
Full of twists
A twist-filled domestic psychological thriller, The Married Couple kept me captivated until the end. I love the creative mind Maria Frankland has for writing a great domestic thriller and she’s crafted another intense book with her latest release.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Joanie S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging
    Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Held my interest throughout. The dual timelines and multiple perspectives were very well written. I thought I figured out the ending, but I was wrong and very satisfied with the outcome.
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  • Tambi Smith
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great Read for Those Who Like Psychological Thrillers
    Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2024
    Michelle Jackson, age 36, a devoted wife and mother, is found stabbed, barely hanging on to life, by her husband Paul, while their six-year-old daughter Emily is supposed to be sleeping innocently in her room. Paul makes the frantic call to the authorities, yet it is he who finds himself in handcuffs. The evidence is damning, the house empty of any other suspects, all evidence pointing directly at Paul – after all, isn't it always the husband in these cases? Whispers and pointed fingers leave Paul isolated since almost everyone thinks he is guilty. The community's concern shifts to little Emily, who has been mute since that harrowing night, her silence a haunting echo of the tragedy. When criminal charges escalate to murder from manslaughter, Paul fights even more for his innocence and to be home with Emily.
    The Jacksons were perceived as the quintessential perfect family, a facade that shrouded the dark reality of their lives. Beneath the surface lay a web of secrets and lies, deceit and anger, love twisted into hatred. As the investigation unfolds, the true nature of their marriage is exposed: a union marred by denial and grief, and shadows of abuse that were attempted to be covered. Each revelation tightens the noose around Paul's neck, leaving the question – could he truly be innocent, or is there more to this sinister story than meets the eye?
    "The Married Couple" by Maria Frankland is a compelling read that masterfully weaves together a dual timeline and multiple perspectives, making it a gripping page-turner. The story oscillates between the present, where Paul is incarcerated, and flashbacks that delve into the intricacies of Paul and Michelle’s marriage. This structure serves not only to build suspense but also to provide a comprehensive understanding of the characters' motivations and the events leading up to the present circumstances. As readers, we get an intimate view of the couple's journey, from their marital highs and lows to the eventual unraveling that leads to Paul's imprisonment.
    Maria Frankland's skillful character development is a standout feature of the novel. Paul and Michelle are portrayed with such depth and realism that readers can't help but feel deeply for them, whether it's sympathy during moments of turmoil or indignation when things take a darker turn. The narrative gains depth from supporting characters like their daughter Emily, Paul’s secretary Alana, Paul’s criminal law solicitor John, Paul’s brother David, as well as others ensuring that every interaction feels authentic and significant. This realism makes the courtroom scenes particularly compelling, as readers are drawn into the drama and tension of the testimonies presented both for and against Paul.
    One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is how it handles the murder case at the center of the plot. The courtroom scenes are particularly well-executed, with testimonies that are both riveting and revealing. Readers find themselves in the thick of the legal drama, experiencing the tension and uncertainty as if they were part of the jury. This immersive experience is a testament to Maria Frankland's ability to craft a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
    The pacing of "The Married Couple" is another of its strengths. Maria Frankland manages to keep the narrative moving at a steady yet engaging pace, picking up momentum at just the right moments to keep readers hooked. Each chapter reveals new information or presents a fresh twist, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. The interplay between the past and present timelines is handled deftly, ensuring that the transitions are smooth and the story remains coherent and engaging throughout.
    In conclusion, "The Married Couple" by Maria Frankland is a masterfully written novel that combines well-developed characters, a gripping plot, and an expertly managed dual timeline to create a truly immersive reading experience. The story is rich with drama, suspense, and emotional depth, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller. The conclusion is inevitably satisfying as it ties up all the loose ends and answers any lingering questions.

    I received a free digital ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Ashly H.
    3.0 out of 5 stars good
    Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2024
    I was very excited for this read because there were so many great reviews, but i’m a little disappointed. For starters, it felt like there was almost too many details that made the book drag on. That was really the only thing that made me want to put it down. Other than that, the story line really isn’t something we’ve seen before. This book is pretty different, maybe even taboo as Female on male abuse is rarely discussed and there’s a huge stigmatism around it. Overall, it was a good book, but i feel like there needs to be some tweaking.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Connie Fischer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Eye-Opening
    Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2024
    Paul and Michelle Jackson have been married for only 5 months. They are parents to Emily, 6. They are currently on a vacation to the beach and Emily wants both of her parents to accompany her to build a sandcastle. Paul is ready to go but Michelle isn’t interested in the beach but instead says she will stay behind and read her book. When Paul and Emily return sometime later, they find Michelle in a bar next door drinking. This is a red alert for Paul because he knows how Michelle gets when she starts drinking because she doesn’t know when to stop. Refusing to accompany Paul and Emily to the amusement park, Michelle wants to stay in the bar. Paul worries about her while they are gone. When they return, they find her completely drunk and violent once again. Leaving her to cool off for a bit, Paul returns later only to find Michelle on the floor with a knife sticking out of her chest. He knows she must have done this to herself as she has self-harmed herself for years. The paramedics and police arrive and Paul is arrested. It appears that Michelle has hurt herself many times before and called the police saying Paul hit her. He has begged her to get help yet he keeps putting up with her abuse to him and hides it from his co-workers. Now, as Michelle is fighting for her life, Paul is remanded to prison until he can stand trial.

    I’ve probably given out some spoilers here but I’ve tried to set the stage for a situation that is fairly uncommon but truly exists. There are many abused men out there that put up with this because they usually have children and honestly want their spouse to get help and get well. I won’t tell you more, but you will find this story quite eye-opening and sad. Enjoy!

    I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • mrsg
    5.0 out of 5 stars Just brilliant 👏
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 23, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I absolutely loved this book. The story is fantastic & the twists & turns will make your head spin! Maria Frankland is a very talented author & I've read most of her books. This is probably her best yet. Read this, you won't be disappointed. Worthy of 10*.
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  • E Manners
    5.0 out of 5 stars Psychological thriller
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 5, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Another great thriller from Maria Frankland full of twists and turns, the pace gathers with the start of the Court case and it highlights that domestic abuse can happen to anyone, men can be on the receiving end as well as women.
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  • ae
    5.0 out of 5 stars ANOTHER STONKER!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Yet another fantastic thriller from Maria Frankland! A gritty, realistic storyline that plays with your emotions for all the characters within the book. Full of twists and turns, this book will not disappoint ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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  • S Scotchbrook
    3.0 out of 5 stars Gripping psychology triller
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 31, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    It had me gripped throughout however, I was very disappointed with the end. Definitely worth a read though.
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  • mrs.jp,grover
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very good reading
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 8, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Great book
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