The Second Honeymoon

by McGarvey Black

It’s our tenth wedding anniversary . . . and my husband is planning to kill me.

He’s planned the perfect cruise — and the perfect murder. His new girlfriend (my replacement) is waiting in the wings.

Our luxury cruise ship departs from Florida. Its destination — paradise. A surprise gift from Andre. Our first proper vacation in five years. A second honeymoon.

He’s bought me the perfect outfit. The champagne is flowing. Everything’s going to plan. Andre’s plan.

He thinks he’ll get away with it. But he doesn’t know what I’m capable of. Not yet.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Suspense

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2025

About the author

Suspense/Thrillers

THE SECOND HONEYMOON - August 2025

He's planned the perfect cruise - and the perfect murder. His new girlfriend (my replacement) is waiting in the wings.

Our luxury cruise ship departs from Florida. Its destination - paradise. A surprise gift from Andre. Our first proper vacation in five years. A second honeymoon.

He's bought me the perfect outfit. The champagne is flowing. Everything's going to plan. Andre's plan.

He thinks he'll get away with it. But he doesn't know what I'm capable of. Not yet.

Also,

—THE BABY I STOLE
—MY SISTER'S KILLER
—THE FIRST HUSBAND
—WITHOUT HER CONSENT
—THE WOMAN UPSTAIRS
—TRUST ONLY ME
—TWICE ON CHRISTMAS
—THE GIRL WHO KILLED HER MOM

Romantic Comedy;

— LOVE ON THE LINE (original title— THE FUSSY VIRGIN).

Morality Tale

—A FAMILIAR STRANGER "It's a Wonderful Life" meets "Wall Street". This novel is a parable of our times.


All my stories are character driven. I try to throw in lots of twists and turns to keep the reader interested and guessing. Most of my writing is inspired by real people or events that trigger my imagination.

I am married with two children and currently live in Connecticut where many of my stories take place. I'm happy to FaceTime or Zoom into your book club if our schedules permit. Reach out and I'll do my best to make it happen.


——McGarvey

You can find me on Facebook or Twitter, too. Thanks for reading my books and if you like them, please leave a review, it helps so much.

Reviews

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Second Honeymoon was a tense, twist-filled psychological mystery-thriller that started out as a romance and escalated into a survival atrocity.

This was the fourth McGarvey Black novel I’ve read to date and I was completely consumed. I loved how this story relied heavily on psychological tension, character-driven suspense, and emotional misdirection. All elements that make a solid psychological thriller-mystery. While the pace started off slow, the story built momentum with intentional precision and layered with tension, until it became impossible to put down.

The Second Honeymoon followed Becca and Andre who had set sail on a luxury cruise to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary. Their aim was for a romantic “second honeymoon” in hopes to rekindle their connection. Everything appeared idyllic until soon the idyllic surface cracked, and the narrative quickly became a high stakes showdown.

Contrary to the intriguing plot, the characters were not very likable nor were they relatable, aside from Becca. Becca was a former teacher, smart and vulnerable at first. Due to her autoimmune disease diagnosis and the challenges she faced, she was an authentic and likable character. Not only was she vulnerable, Becca was observant, emotionally intelligent, and underestimated. Even Becca surprised herself with her resilience and ability to outwit those who intended to harm her. Unlike Becca, Andre was a cold, charming narcissist with manipulative ways. He was one of the most unlikable characters (in the best possible way) and therefore he made this narrative more compelling and entertaining.

Aside from the finely tuned characters, the themes addressed brought emotion, psychological tension, and transformation. As in every well written psychological mystery-thriller, themes of betrayal, deception, appearance verse reality, control, and revenge were incorporated. Therefore they kept me engaged, at the edge of my seat, and questioning everything.

The Second Honeymoon stood out from other books in the psychological mystery-thriller genre due to its sinuous plot, final shocking twist, and its emotional and psychological depth that hovered just beneath the surface. I highly recommend this gripping read to fans of Freida McFadden, Shari Lapena, T.M. Logan and Lucy Clarke.

Thanks to Net Galley and Joffe Books for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[thebrunettebibliomaniac · Rating 2 out of 5]

Im not sure if it’s just me or what but i felt like i read a book with no plot twists at all; everything was given to you from the very beginning. There was nothing to figure out which made this book very bland in my opinion.

The book was easy to read and it kept me interested but further than that it didn’t feel like a psychological thriller much less a thriller.

[Elizabeth Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was lightweight and unbelievable.

[Laura Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE SECOND HONEYMOON BY MCGARVEY BLACK.
Release day set for the 7th of August 2025.
This is my first book by this author and it won't be the last.
Great cover.
I found this book to be suspenseful and flew through the pages.
Great plot.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Second Honeymoon was a very engaging thriller. The book had me hooked from the beginning and I read it in one day. Once I started I did not want to stop reading.

The story was filled with characters who were unexpected and an awful MMC. I wasn’t sure what to expect as I was reading or what twists would occur. I don’t want to give spoilers so I won’t say anything more, lol.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed the story and I will definitely be reading more by this author.

[Marilyn Safir · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stupid!!

[Carolyn Conklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, finished in one night.

I have read McGarvey's books through the years ,but this one was an all nighters! She has definitely outdone herself. I was holding my breath until l could get to the next page. Make sure you read The second honemoon.

[lorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one day. Fast paced and easy read. I’m so glad that Becca got her happy ending and Andre ended up o jail.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started off fast, then slowed down in the middle where the author put in big time jumps which for me, disrupted the flow of the story. I felt it was very easy to guess how the book would end but I still enjoyed watching how Becca and Andre got there. Also there was one small twist at the end that ended the book on just the right note.

Want to see spoilers or trigger warnings? Check out www.spoiltheplot.com

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic book! I loved it. Becca's husband Andre takes her on a surprise cruise for their tenth anniversary. That's where it all begins and Andre's sinister plans take a shocking turn.
Told from both perspectives – his desperate pleas to everyone who will listen to find his wife, and her desperate fight for retribution– the tension is relentless. He believes she's dead, expertly feigning grief, while she, miraculously alive and in hiding, orchestrates a masterful plan. The novel is peppered with twists, each revelation more stunning than the last. We come to an absolutely brilliant, jaw-dropping ending that took my breath away.
A must-read for suspense fans!
My thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn’t previously read this author, but the synopsis drew me in. I was hooked from the start. The main characters were well developed, and I became invested into what happened to them ( whether they were like able or not) . Once their characters had been established the plot developed into an easy-to-read mystery thriller with plenty of plot twists which kept me engaged. It developed into one of those books that I just couldn’t put down, needing to read one more chapter! I will be adding more of McGarvey Black’s books to my TBR list.


My thanks to Joffe Books for the copy of this book.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Connecticut, USA, 35-year-old housewife Becca struggles to cope with the fibromyalgia she was diagnosed with several years earlier, only a couple of years after her marriage to marketing executive Andre. Tensions at home have escalated since Becca was forced to give up working as she kindergarten teacher as Andre now has to carry the financial burden as well as tend to Becca when she has a severe attack.
So Becca is pleasantly surprised when Andre's 'we need to talk' message in fact is him revealing plans to take her on a luxury cruise for their forthcoming tenth wedding anniversary. Delighted at the prospect of seven days of luxury as they leave Port Canaveral, Florida, little does Becca realise that Andre has planned that she will not be returning from the cruise!....
This was a great psychological thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed and found very hard to put down for even a moment.
The twists and turns in the storyline, some of which I expected and some not so much, were excellent with a fitting conclusion. Must look out for more from this new-to-me author! - 9/10.

[Pamela Sepulvado Sepulvado Deroche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare for your brain to do a 360° in your head.

I give the story a five stars. It has everything you want from a mystery and suspense thriller. I want a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat and binge reading into the wee hours of the morning. I love a good mystery and this is one of them.

[Hurrem Mordt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Great ending, very satisfying and such a good read. I was hooked from the beginning! I found both Andre and Becca profoundly unlikeable, but it didn’t take anything away from the enjoyment of the book.

[Meaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book's plot wasn't perfect, it was definitely an addicting read as long as you keep a healthy dose of suspended disbelief 😂

The revenge? The villains? The secrets and lies? Chef's kiss 💋🤌

[Suzanne Pitchford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Brilliant

This book just goes to show what a talented author this writer is. Researched beautifully and so witty and ironic that I didn’t want it to end. Of If I could give it 10 stars I would.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was freaking amazing he got what he deserved

[Mads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kept me on my toes for sure!!! This was a one day type of read. Honestly, my grandma recommended this to me and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Will be reading more by this author

[Morgan Renae Kell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok I actually really liked this! A great story of revenge. A few plot holes but overall I would recommend.

[Lauren Schekorra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It hooked me right from the start!

[Sue Winkler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me on the edge of my seat. Great thriller

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read for me. For the most part I enjoyed it, but some of the plot had holes in my opinion. I thought it was going to end differently. But I still liked it.

[Julie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needed an easy read and this didn’t disappoint.

[Melissa Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like when a character gets what's coming to them, but this book was not good <3

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for granting me an ARC of The Second Honeymoon.

I cannot put into words how much I loved this book. Definitely in my top 5 for the year! My first by this author, now off to check out everything else!

I did feel you needed to suspend belief slightly to enjoy this, it is not the book for you if you like everything 100% realistic. But I don’t care, I loved it.

A brilliantly written, easy read that kept me turning pages well into the night!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becca and Andre are off to celebrate their 10th anniversary on a cruise. Andre has planned everything including a new outfit and new prescription sunglasses. Becca is flabbergasted and at the same time excited seeing the trip as a chance to rekindle the spark in their marriage. She has fibromyalgia and had to quit her job but, she's feeling better, she's been exercising and vows to participate fully in this adventure.
No doubt you guessed it ...Andre has planned what he considers the perfect murder. But, is he going to get away with murder or will he be caught? A small ankle tattoo of a rose and a charming older woman, Olive Walker, they meet on their first evening will play a major role in solving Becca's "disapperance"!
I love a good mystery! And though I figured out some of the plot there are twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages.

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant, twisty and gripping thriller from McGarvey Black that I could not wait to get stuck into. Andre and Becca are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary so Andre surprises Becca with a cruise. Not only that but he has bought her new outfits, a hat, sunglasses, the whole shebang. And you know what they say? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, especially in this case!

The characters in this book, love them or hate them (just one!) are really well written and I would quite happily spend some time in Puerto Rico, having read about Javi’s idyllic life there. Olive and Stella are forces of nature and I was really rooting for them to come through with what they needed to see.

The plot was very clever and I loved, LOVED the ending!

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, McGarvey Black and Joffe for an ARC of this book.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thank you Netgalley and Joffe Books for the ARC!

I do not think I've read anything by McGarvey Black before this book, but the cover and the blurb instantly drew me in! And what can I say - the book did not disappoint!

This is the story about Becca, and her hsuband, who is planning to kill her on their tenth wedding anniversary so he can be with his girlfriend. But Becca does survive....

Overall, it was just the right pace, with a lot of tension, and even the multiple POVs could not intimidate me (I think I am really getting better with reading multiple POV books in general). We hear the story from the POV of Becca, Andrew - the husband- and then Stella, Becca's best friend. All the characters are really well written, and I really recommend that you go and get the book once it does publish!

[Mappy BookGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued after reading the description of this book and added it to my TBR. I had never read this author before, but now I have to go read his other works because I really enjoyed this story. The characters were unique and it was interesting to see how their traits came out through the story. The story itself was interesting and suspenseful. So much so that the pages kept turning and it was difficult to put down, needing to know what was going to happen next. I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this book up, but I am glad I did because it was a heck of a ride.

[Shauntelle (shauntellereads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a bad anniversary surprise. Andre whisks his wife Becca away on a dream cruise for their ten-year milestone, but behind the romantic gestures and gifted outfits, he’s hiding a dark plan. While Becca’s snapping selfies and sipping poolside drinks, Andre’s thinking about murder. Literally.

This book grabbed me instantly. The tension builds early and never lets up. Becca is easy to root for, and I loved her friendship with Stella. Everyone needs a ride-or-die like that. Andre, on the other hand? Peak villain energy. The kind of character that makes you want to shout at the pages.

Twisty, fast-paced, and absolutely addictive, this thriller took me through shock, anger, and full-on “how is this going to end?!” mode. The final reveal? Worth every page. This one had my pulse racing right up until the end!

Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.