The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives

by Elizabeth Arnott

Escape to 1960s California with the gripping and glamorous new crime mystery that sees an unlikely trio team up to solve a string of murders - the perfect page-turning holiday read for fans of Big Little Lies and The List of Suspicious Things.
You’ve heard of the men who kill, but what about the women who loved them?
It’s a baking hot summer in 1960s California and three women have formed an unlikely friendship. They may look like they lead idyllic lives but behind the false smiles and glittering pools lies the their husbands are some of the country’s most notorious serial killers.
Amidst neighbourhood gossip and pointed fingers, Beverley, Elsie and Margot are fighting to forge new paths for themselves. But when a string of local killings hits the news, the women – underestimated and overlooked – are hurled into an investigation of their own.

After all, who better to catch a killer than those who have shared their lives with one?

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Audiobook, Crime

314 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 3, 2026

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Morning America Book Club Pick – March 2026

Setting: California, 1966

Beverley, Elsie, and Margot are not typical housewives. They live with a past they didn’t ask for—one in which everyone else wants to know how they couldn’t have known what their husbands did. So how do they move forward with that kind of stigma shadowing every step?

“You want a murderer’s wife, ladies and gentlemen? Here. Have three.”

Obviously, the book title hints at what that past entails. But what really happened—and what kind of life can they claim now?

And then…

Murder happens…again.

Beverley is on a mission to protect other women—to help them recognize warning signs, to stay alert in ways she wishes she had known before. Because the truth is, danger doesn’t always announce itself.

“You do know you are not personally responsible for the safety of other women just because of what your husband did…It’s not your fault.”

But could she have seen things differently? Paid closer attention? How do any of them move beyond the guilt, the betrayal, and the quiet accusations placed upon them—as if they were the ones to blame?

And now, with violence surfacing again, how can Beverley, Elsie, and Margot make a difference?

The women form an unlikely alliance, pushing against a system that dismisses them at every turn—law enforcement, societal expectations, and the ever-present undercurrent of misogyny. Their journey raises an urgent question: when no one takes you seriously, how do you make yourself heard?

And, who can they trust?

Teetering between cozy mystery and a police procedural, the novel is driven by the strength, insight, and determination of its central trio held together in friendship. These women are not just surviving—they are observing, questioning, connecting dots, and refusing to be silenced.

What makes this story stand out is its focus. It turns away from the men who commit these crimes and instead centers the lives forever altered in their wake—while also challenging our tendency to elevate and fixate on the perpetrators, rather than reckon with the damage they leave behind.

Making this a compelling, twisty, imperfect, but interesting read.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

I gravitate toward books about women in the 1950s–60s era, so I was really excited to dive into this one! It did a good job highlighting the challenges women encountered at the time—being misjudged, dismissed, and pushed to take extreme measures just to be heard.

I loved getting to know the three main characters—all strong, distinct women—as they tested limits and challenged societal norms. I just wish we’d gotten a little more of their backstory: how they met and more details of what unraveled to bring them to where this story begins. That extra context would’ve made their friendship and choices resonate even more.

The pacing was slow at times with a lot of details that didn’t feel necessary. It didn’t really pick up until the last quarter of the book as everything resolved. The ending wrapped things up nicely, though I do wish the rest of the story had the same tension and pacing. Still, I loved some of the twists and the overall message about women refusing to stay quiet and fighting for themselves!

** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher! **

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent historical fiction story with a difference. Set in 1966 California, we see a world where women are still expected to be homemakers and others, doing everything for their husbands. Their opinions are dismissed and they are restricted in most ways of life .

These 3 women, Beverley, Elsie and Margo were all strong but broken after discovering that they husbands were killers. They had no idea at the time and feel immense guilt for not seeing it to save heir victims. But when another killer starts preying on women in the area, they try to help the police, only to be dismissed as not knowing what they are talking about. This only fires them up and they set out to stop the killer themselves.

This was a story of friendship, guilt, and society opinions. It shows these women trying to rebuilding their lives and be more than a murderers wife.

It is dark but has its lighter moments and some that made me laugh.

Thanks so much to Berkeley Publishing Group for my advanced copy to read. Get this on your TBR on March 3rd.

[Krickette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Set in the 1960’s and written with a convincing 1960’s flair and in such an inviting voice! The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives written by Elizabeth Arnott is a fictional tale, but feels exceptionally “real”, which is based on the lives of wives of exposed Serial Killers! What a concept! 😳 It focuses on the idea of the real-world fascination of notorious murderers and their families (thus the surviving wives). Although, the limelight is not what these women want!

Beverly, Margot and Elsie all have married men who kill women (on the side and in secrecy)! These women develop an unlikely friendship based on their commonalities, guilt for “not knowing” and a shared trauma only they understand. Each one unique, but also very much the same in the way they feel perceived, isolated and judged by others.

Fast forward …
A string of murders begin to happen in their home town. With a disturbed history, these women notice patterns others do not. Dismissed by the authorities these women begin the hunt and investigation for the new serial killer. This book is a page turner and simmers a mild, yet suspense filled thriller for its readers. Well written and smart, this was such an excellent read!

With three main female characters, and rotating POVs, this novel swoops you up, dazzles you in rich and sassy dialogue and leaves you to decipher this scandalous story!

Things that were an aha moment and referenced in the book that helped seal the 1960 setting:
• Landline telephones ☎️
• The Vampire daytime show- Dark Shadows 🧛
• Only Print newspaper 🗞️
• Cigarettes
• Clothing-women in dresses only.
• Workforce- mostly men, women = housewives.
• Vietnam war in full force

A clever and sharply written Debut novel that has you wondering where these cunning wives will end up and will they uncover the newest serial killer on the block. This was an easy and very enjoyable 3.5 ⭐️ read (rounded up for uniqueness and appeal). If the novel includes a bit more thrill… easily could have been a 4⭐️ book in my opinion.

[vicky ꨄ︎ (finals hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The two things to take from this book is that men are commonly untrustworthy and being a women is difficult. This is the message behind this book. I feel like the book was focusing more on the message instead in the actually suspense and thrilling part of the book. This felt like the women were more on just talking about crime and drama but also not really. Like I feel like the whole crime aspect was kind of push aside even though it was the main focus of the book. I feel like the author should’ve just stuck with one topic instead of two topics, like this essentially followed the three women’s lives with a side of mystery when I feel like the book should’ve focused more on the mystery. The pacing itself is quite slow as well, we spend like 30% of the book just about their lives with the mystery being sprinkled in the background. I honestly feel like the mystery didn’t even fully start until the 60% mark.

Also the whole reveal on who did it was obvious.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.






————————————————————————

𐙚⋆°. preread

Im in such a mood read a thriller that I fear I might just binge read this in one day

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published March 3, 2026.

3 stars

It’s 1966 and Beverley, Elsie and Margot, Californians all, share a unique sisterhood - all three of their former husbands were serial killers. They bonded over ver that fact and have become the best of friends. Now Beverley is hyper alert to any crime involving the death of a young woman, Elsie is wants to be a crime reporter at the newspaper where she’s just an executive assistant and Margot just wants to party her life away…which would be easier with a rich husband.

The women learn there’s a serial killer in their area, and who knows serial killers better than the three women who lived with them? They decide to investigate.

This was a cute story, filled with period detail. Despite the fact it’s about serial killers, it’s pretty light and fairly easy to read. I was a bit puzzled as to how Beverley got along financially…if it was explained, then I missed it.

[Zoë · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would read a million books about these women

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It cannot continue like this—men taking whatever they want and no one holding them accountable for the harm they cause.

It’s 1966, and the term “serial killer” hasn’t yet been coined - but there is no mistaking that Beverley, Margot, and Elsie were each married to one. In the wake of their husbands’ crimes, the three women meet and form a bond very few others could possibly understand: They know what it’s like to share their lives with a killer. So when women start turning up dead around California, Beverley, Margo, and Elsie immediately notice the similarities to their husbands’ crimes - and they decide to begin their own investigation.

The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives isn’t exactly a thriller, more a quietly compelling crime drama combined with historical fiction, with a feminist bent. The focus is on the characters’ friendship and experiences as women in the mid-twentieth century. It was a time when women were dismissed and demeaned even in the best circumstances - let alone if they married a man who later committed violent crimes. Yes, our girls had a rough time in society, and it was poignant and empowering to see how they stood up for themselves and circumvented societal norms throughout their investigation (and in their lives in general).

I wish the book had been more evenly paced; the first three-quarters felt drawn out, while the conclusion was exciting and full of the tension that the rest of the story lacked. I also wanted more backstory for all three of the central characters: How exactly did they meet? Who were they before their husbands’ actions defined their lives? Their friendship lacked some texture that I think deeper character development would’ve provided, and it would’ve only added to the richness of the story.

It feels weird to call The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives a pleasant read given the subject matter, but that was the vibe for me, so we’re going with it: a pleasant story about female friendship and empowerment, with some murdery bits thrown in to spice things up. 3.5 stars. Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for the early reading opportunity.

[Meagan (Meagansbookclub) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good on audiobook (Saskia and Karissa!!) but oooof this one was slow. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy it, but I do I think we needed more background story with the women. We jumped right in and I didn’t think the women were different enough for me to remember who they were and what made them stand out. The development was done well and I was interested where the story was going, but it was just too drawn out and sluggish.

Expect more historical fiction than mystery/suspense.

[EmmaReadsCrime · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5

You always hear about the men who k*ll, but what about the women who love them? The story follows three women who form an unlikely friendship, united by the fact that their husbands are convicted murderers. When it appears that a serial k*ller is on the loose, they take it upon themselves to investigate.

I didn’t know what to expect from this book, but I absolutely loved the premise and had high expectations. I wasn’t sure if it would lean towards a trashy beach read or something more serious—and it definitely fell more towards the latter.

Unfortunately, I was really disappointed by this book. I found it incredibly slow-paced and dull. I had no strong feelings towards any of the characters; they were just nothing special or memorable.

The final quarter of the book is probably the most exciting part. However, the twist was extremely predictable, and the motivation behind it wasn’t unique—it’s been done before… a lot!

[Taury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger Warnings:
Serial killing
Violence against women
Misogyny
Alcohol
Child of a convicted killer

The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives by Elizabeth Arnott is set in the sweltering summer of 1966 in the fictional small town of Berryview, California, and follows three women who have one very specific and awful thing in common — their husbands are convicted serial killers. Beverley, Elsie, and Margot have each landed in Berryview to escape the infamy and start over, and despite having nothing else in common they find themselves drawn into an unlikely friendship built on shared shame and the exhausting experience of being constantly suspected, judged, and underestimated. When bodies start turning up nearby and police are getting nowhere, the three women decide that if anyone has insight into how a predator operates while hiding in plain sight, it is them. It’s a sharp, glamorous, genuinely fun read that doesn’t lose sight of the darker questions underneath, how well do we really know the people we love, and how much are we responsible for what we didn’t see?

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had pretty high expectations for this one and was disappointed. I loved the premise but I feel more could have been done to develop the characters. Perhaps having only 2 leads would have helped. I did like the twist at the end, but felt it all came together too fast. The story seemed too slow, and then too fast.

There was an interesting neighbor who I wish had a larger role. I think there were too many missed opportunities for character development.

3.5 stars

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars. GMA Book Club - March ‘26 pick. California 1966.. Beverly, Elsie and Margot were all married to serial killers. All men are gone but not forgotten.. neither are the burdens these women carry from the crimes that were committed. These women since have been off-the-record in helping the police uncover crimes. Now a new killer is on the loose and the three believe it to be a serial killer only the police won’t listen. Their knowledge is incredibly valuable to catching a killer and they feel obligated in banding together to keep anyone else from becoming a victim.

I read this in one sitting combing through it so fast. The 60’s era was spot on, and I loved how well this trio of female characters were portrayed. I found it amazing the strength they possessed alongside their unique friendship and that they were able to share such distinct emotional experiences. I can’t imagine the trauma. I really liked seeing this was more than a crime novel, it also shows the aftermath, the impact these crimes had on family members, especially for women and the stigma associated with it. What an interesting concept. Do recommend. Pub. 3/3/26

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[This Kooky Wildflower Loves a Little Tea and Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise caught my attention, but its execution lessened it. I found myself uninterested in the characters because the story was surprisingly dull.

[Angie Miale · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives was such a fun and surprisingly easy book to get pulled into. From the very beginning, I found myself completely invested in the characters and their strange but fascinating world. The premise alone is intriguing: a group of women in the late 20th century who are connected through the fact that they are ex-wives or widows of serial killers. It’s historical fiction with a mystery at its core, and the combination works really well.

What I loved most about this book was the characters. Each of the women felt distinct and intelligent, and I really enjoyed how capable and perceptive they were. The story centers women in a way that feels natural and empowering without being heavy-handed. In fact, I’d almost describe the book as “sneaky feminist.” It’s very much about women supporting each other, navigating complicated pasts, and using their intelligence to uncover the truth.

My favorite character was Bev. Her internal dialogue was one of the highlights of the book for me. She felt incredibly real—thoughtful, curious, and determined to help even when things got difficult. I loved seeing how much she cared about doing the right thing and how that drove her throughout the story.

The plot also delivers some really strong twists that kept me engaged the whole way through. It balances suspense with moments of humor and warmth between the characters, which made it a really enjoyable read overall.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a fun, twisty mystery with memorable characters. Fans of Freida McFadden or Lisa Unger will likely enjoy this one as well. It’s an entertaining, character-driven mystery that’s easy to get into and hard to put down.

[Tini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Desperate Housewives of serial killers.

The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives sounded like exactly the kind of book I should love: three women whose husbands turned out to be killers join forces in 1960s California to stop another murderer? Say less.

Unfortunately, the reality never lives up to the setup.

The novel follows Beverley, Elsie, and Margot, each attempting to rebuild her life after the horrifying revelations of her husband's crimes. When a new string of murders begins, the three women - dismissed, judged, and underestimated by nearly everyone around them - decide to investigate for themselves.

On paper, this has all the makings of a sharp, stylish feminist suspense novel. In practice, it feels oddly flat.

The first hurdle is plausibility, but let's be gracious since the wholly original, if highly unbelievable, concept is actually one of the novel's strengths. I'm more than willing to suspend disbelief for a good story.

More disappointing, though, is that the central trio never fully come alive. I found Beverley, Elsie, and Margot strangely interchangeable on the page. Their voices blur together, which makes it difficult for either the friendships or the stakes to land with much force.

And then there's the mystery itself.

Much of the novel is spent discussing serial killers rather than generating actual suspense, which turns out to be about as dull as that sounds. When the investigation does move forward, the eventual direction of the crimes feels predictable from fairly early on, draining tension from what could have been the book's strongest element.

To its credit, Elizabeth Arnott's debut novel does effectively highlight the limitations women faced in that era - socially, professionally, and domestically. I appreciated watching these women push back against the roles assigned to them, and there are glimpses of a far more interesting book in those moments.

But overall, I expected something cleverer, sharper, and considerably more original than what I got.

A fantastic concept, a worthy historical lens, and unfortunately a mystery that never quite wakes up. All in all, a killer premise undone by surprisingly lifeless execution.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Crime Mystery. I felt that this book was hard to follow at times, and there was too much going on at times. There were too many characters and too many flashbacks throughout this book. I also think the mystery was just ok. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret Lives Of Murderers Wives by Elizabeth Arnott, the book is about three women in the 60s who all become friends because they were once married to serial killers Elise, Beverly and Margot are the three most unlikely of friends but due to their commonalities they not only become friends but close ones. Soon after the book begins they learn a prostitute had been murdered and only take a passing interest in the case but when another college student is murdered the three become much more interested. Elise has an in because she works at the newspaper and even puts her life on the line trying to get a clue Beverly contributes because she just so happens to be sleeping with one of the detectives a man she met while he investigated her husband and then there’s fabulous Margot. As the three gets closer to the truth the entertainment ramps up and I think the closer the book got to the end the better it was. I appreciated all the 60s references and the historical accuracy I found this book more a character study than a story that’s moved along by dialogue although they do have some of that as well. I really enjoyed this book had the whole book been like the last 3/4 of the book I definitely would’ve given it the perfect score but a last four stars isn’t bad it really was an entertaining read. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,

[cursedb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had been waiting for this book to come out for a while and was really excited to read it. After finishing it, I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about it. The title and synopsis are very intriguing and immediately draw you in. However, the story turned out to focus much more on women’s perspectives and the social circumstances surrounding them at the time than I expected. While that aspect was interesting and important, it wasn’t what I thought would be the main focus of the book. I had anticipated more of a thriller or mystery vibe, but the mystery element didn’t receive enough focus for it to really stand out. Because of that, the story sometimes felt more like a TV series centered on women in the 1960s, if that makes sense. At times, the way the characters tried to piece things together also felt a bit forced, as if certain clues or realizations appeared just to move the plot forward rather than developing naturally. That said, I still enjoyed the book. The writing style was engaging and easy to read, even if it wasn’t quite the story I was expecting.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives is an absolute must-read. This gripping thriller keeps you hooked from the very first page to the last, with twists and tension that never let up.

Ever wondered what it might be like to be the wife of a serial killer? This novel explores that chilling question, following Beverly, Margate and Elsie as they try to keep their lives on track after the truth about their husbands has unravelled. But when a string of new killings hits the news, who better to investigate than those who have already lived through the nightmare?

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books Ltd for the advance read.

[Renita Cohill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great book! I received this as an ARC, thank you so much! I loved the who done it feel, the women coming together! Niceee

[Auđur · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,7*

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book 100 stars, I would. I don't read much crime fiction as it's not my genre, but this one by Elizabeth Arnott absolutely blew me away. The story itself - three ex-wives of serial killers come together to try and crack a spate of murders in their Californian neighbourhood - gripped me from the first page. But it was the characters - Beverley, Margot and Elsie - who really sealed it for me. So well drawn, so well researched, utterly brilliant and believable. I'm in awe of Arnott's ability to take the reader back to the 1960s, and make it so 'now', so relevant to our world today. Brilliant stuff!

[Mallory ☀️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks Penguin Random House for the free ARC. My goodness I loved this book! Every single thing about it!!

[Wal.li · Rating 4 out of 5]

Streitbar

Beverly, Margot und Elsie sind sehr unterschiedlich, aber eines haben sie gemeinsam: Die Männer, die sie einmal geheiratet haben, wurden des mehrfachen Mordes überführt. Alle drei fragen sich, ob sie früher hätten etwas merken müssen. Und wieder werden im Kalifornien des Jahres 1966 junge Frauen ermordet aufgefunden. Die drei Frauen haben nicht den Eindruck, dass die Polizei fieberhaft ermittelt. Obwohl sie durch ihre Vergangenheit oder auch ihren Beruf Kontakte zur Polizei haben, werden ihre Gedanken nicht ernst genommen. Was also tun? Elsie, Beverly und Margot wollen unbedingt verhindern, dass es weitere Opfer gibt. Was liegt also nahe? Sie stellen selbst Nachforschungen an.

Die drei Frauen, die sich durch die ungewöhnlichen Gemeinsamkeiten ihrer Vergangenheit gefunden haben, bilden ein besonderes Team. Sie leiden unter den Erinnerungen und auch unter Schuldgefühlen. Aber sie hoffen auch, von ihren Erfahrungen zehren zu können. So müssen sie doch einfach eine Spur finden. Die Zeit ist noch nicht reif für weibliche Detektive. Das merken die drei Frauen recht schnell. Sie werden klein gemacht und keiner will ihren Hinweisen Bedeutung beimessen. Natürlich sind Elsie, Beverly und Margot auch unsicher, aber das hält sie nicht davon ab weiterzumachen. Wenn sie die Gefahr für die Frauen verringern können, dann ist das was.

In den 1960ern wurden weder auf Frauen gehört, noch wurden sie überhaupt gehört. Sie hatten hübsch zu sein, die Kinder groß zu ziehen oder eine Zierde für den Mann. Nur hin und wieder konnte es schon mal einige geben, die sich auch im Beruf durchsetzten. Da kann man froh sein, dass man in der Gegenwart lebt. Auch wenn man den Eindruck gewinnt, dass zu Beginn des Romans eine gewisse kalifornische Leichtigkeit herrscht, gewinnt man später die Gewissheit, dass die Spannung steigt. Die Frauen finden tatsächlich Hinweise, die sich nach und nach zu einem Bild zusammenfügen. Mitunter brauchen Margot, Beverly und Elsie ihren ganzen Mut und sie setzen ihn gut ein. Dabei gibt es überraschende Wendungen. Allerdings fragt man sich, wem man überhaupt vertrauen kann, was leider auch noch für die heutige Zeit gilt. Immerhin können die drei Frauen sich aufeinander verlassen und diese Solidarität macht den Roman in großen Teilen aus. Dieser Roman fesselt bis zum Schluss.

[William de_Rham · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Secret Lives of Murderer’s Wives” is an absorbing mystery about the friendship between three women and their search for a serial killer.

The year is 1966. The place is Los Angeles, CA and its surrounding suburbs.

Beautiful Beverly, bookish Elise, and glamorous Margot are three very different women with two things in common: 1) each was married to a serial killer who committed his crimes without their suspecting a thing; and 2) each is determined to make up for their blindness by catching the newest serial killer terrorizing the area.

Author Elizabeth Arnott has given us a novel that is rich in characters and setting. While I thought the pacing slow at times, especially in the beginning, I was most impressed by the care she took to describe the psychologies of her three main characters, their husbands, the police, the press, and the times in general. She shines a bright light on the sexism of the 1960’s and, in so doing, gives us a measuring rod by which to judge how far we have, or have not, progressed. As someone who lived through and remembers the 1960s, I also appreciated the many cultural references used to evoke the period (e.g., “Star Trek,” Lee Marvin, “I Dream of Jeannie,” Princess telephones, Chesterfield and Lucky Strike cigarettes, Ford’s Cortina automobile, Aramis cologne, and Ronald Reagan as California’s Governor, just to mention a few.)

There were times when I thought character reactions, and the messaging, were a little heavy-handed. But for the most part, this novel—filled as it is with twists and turns and more than a few suspects--kept my attention right to the very end, which is something of a surprise.

My thanks to NetGalley, author Elizabeth Arnott, and publisher Berkley Publishing Group /Berkley for providing me with a complimentary electronic ARC. All of the foregoing is my honest, independent opinion.

[Katrina (Catching up on Reviews) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Underwhelming. I would have liked it more if it focused more on being a mystery.

[shannon (books by the glass) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the premise of this one!! the execution of the overall story, on the other hand, fell a little flat in the end 😭 I just wanted so much more from the wives!!

three former 🥣 killers’ wives team up to solve the latest crime when the police are too slow to connect the dots - and I loved how each of the FMCs dealt with trauma differently! grief and trauma aren’t one size fits all, so I appreciated the way they all had distinctive characterizations rather than lumping them in the same category!

however, I just wanted more from their backstories! I felt the story was too focused on their husbands rather than the wives’ and their own lives and stories! I would have loved to see how the three ladies met!!!

the actual mystery in this one felt rather obvious to me, although they did get me with a red herring 🥲 and with the huge cast of characters, I didn’t feel connected to anyone in particular for the crime or victims

the setting of the story was perhaps my favorite part as it started a wonderful conversation about women in the 1960s! again, I just wished it went more than surface level and the author spent time diving into the matter more

a quick and fun thriller for sure!!

rating: 3.5 stars
wine pairing: burgundy red blend

[Christina O’Keefe · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read if you like:
🔪 The Real Housewives 💕💕
🔪 dual POV
🔪 3rd person narrator
🔪 dual timelines

The dual POV/timeline in this one made it very suspenseful and exciting when it kept switching back, but only offering a tiny little piece of the story at a time, and it didn’t completely make sense until the end when everything was resolved. This was different from most other books and it made me want to keep reading so I could get more of the other side of that story.
I loved the main character ladies and I loved their dynamic. It really reminded me of like a Stepford Wives but with some murder 🤪🤪 This was a huge hit for me because it 100% aligns with my interests 🤣
The ending was very satisfying and honestly I did not see it coming❣️❣️
This was a very enjoyable debut that I could not stop thinking about when I did have to put the book down 💖
Thank you so much to Elizabeth Arnott and Berkley Publishing for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 💕💕 It’s so cool to see debut authors getting published by the queen of publishers 🤪🤪

[Lady Tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: *blows out breath* 3.5 / 5 (rounded down)

Okay, so...I'm torn about this.

On the one hand, the story itself is actually kind of brilliant, and I love how it subverts so many things.

On the other hand though, I pretty much hated all of our MCs, and couldn't get behind the whole "damaged woman by association gets back at patriarchal injustice in the system blah blah blah".

I mean, I get it, on the one hand: the 1960s was a time of the Second Wave of Feminism, and a lot of women at that time did push back against conforming to what their husbands expected of them. But just...why do we have to jump into borderline-bitch territory for these women? Where they're either conniving, "the other woman", or just bitchy in their attitude for everything? Just...ugh, it would've been nice if, for once, we actually got nice women standing up for themselves, not just those that've already been "betrayed / damaged" and feel the need to "prove themselves" or whatever.

______________

Again though, I give FULL credit for the plot itself being pretty great. The murderer is a great twist with a great motive, and the ending itself is fast-paced and wraps things up perfectly.

But, AGAIN, you need to decide for yourself if the lead characters are MCs that you want to follow around for a full book. Myself, I'm just 50-50 on this, hence my rounded down 3-star rating.