The Tradwife's Lie

by Bella Ellwood-Clayton

A BRAND-NEW totally addictive psychological thriller with a shocking final twist.

In Hudson Valley's Westbrook, wives are currency. Belonging has a price. By the time the Homemaker’s Fair ends, two women will be dead.

And the most dangerous thing a woman can do is change her mind.

MARNI

I came to Westbrook to disappear. After New York, after the firm, after everything that broke me, this tradwife community felt safe. Predictable.

Elke chose me. She matched me with the perfect husband. That meant everything.

I learned how this town works—the rankings, the favors, the mandatory midnight check-ins.

Now I’m pregnant with Elke’s stepson’s baby—a secret that could destroy everything. Now I know what happened to the women who stepped out of line. And now I understand: Westbrook isn’t about tradition. It’s about control.

ELKE

I built Westbrook from nothing. Not everyone could have done it. Most women lack the vision. A town of order, tradition, women who want to be told who they are.

They see cherry orchards and smiling wives. I see loyalty, hierarchy, power that works because it looks beautiful.

The Cherries follow my rules. They don’t ask questions.

When someone threatens what I’ve built, I don’t hesitate.

Perfection only survives if you protect it.

AN INTOXICATING BLEND OF TENSION AND SUSPENSE WITH AN ENDING YOU WON'T SEE COMING.

Culty-whodunit. Everyone is a suspect.

For readers who devoured Big Little Lies and The Guest List.

REVIEWS

Bella Ellwood-Clayton is destined to be the next big thing in psychological thrillers. She uses one of today’s hottest influencer trends to weave sharp social commentary within a twisty, relentlessly paced thriller, as compelling as any from Shari Lapena or JP Delaney. My plans for sleep were no match for every addictive chapter.—Korina Moss, Agatha Award-winning author

A gripping blend of social commentary and psychological suspense that will keep you reading until the wee hours. Ellwood-Clayton knows how to craft a mystery, hitting all the right beats with red herrings, twists, complex characters, and an ending that will leave you breathless. —Andrea Barton, author of the Jade Riley Mysteries

Genres: Thriller

336 pages, Paperback

Published March 26, 2026

About the author

Dr. Bella Ellwood-Clayton writes twisty domestic suspense about the secrets we hide from those closest to us. Her novels include The Tradwife's Lie, The Swimming Group, and Weekend Friends, praised as “unputdownable” by bestselling author Nicola Moriarty.

Born in Canada, Bella now lives in Melbourne with her family and a small dog who has delusions of grandeur.

Get a free short story when you join her newsletter at www.drbella.com.au
Instagram: @BellaEllwoodClayton

Reviews

[Kim McFall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked from the very beginning! I love when a books sucks you in and the storyline keeps your attention the whole time.

I enjoyed getting the different viewpoints from multiple key characters! I also liked how I loved to hate their choices at certain points. That’s always a sign of great writing when you feel so connected and have strong emotions to characters.

The “whodunit” reveal was not expected and honestly fell a little flat for me. But overall this was a solid 4 star read!

Thank you NetGalley and Joffe books for this advanced reader copy! I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️Ok- bear with me a minute as sometimes you need to get the negative out of the way to get to the awesomeness.
This had the potential to be a 5⭐️ read, but unfortunately the main twist and culprit reveal fell completely flat for me—leaving me frustrated and low-key angry. When a story is this engaging, thoughtfully constructed, and richly detailed, ending it with a culprit that feels pulled out of thin air (with little to no narrative groundwork) makes the disappointment hit even harder than usual.

What did work beautifully was the structure. I loved how the author interwove social media–style interstitials with a multi-POV format. It kept the pacing tight, the prose moving, and the tension high, especially with the mini cliffhangers created by switching between characters.

I also appreciated the exploration of the “inner workings” of several people living within this tradwife CULTure. While some readers felt this aspect was only lightly touched on or lacked authenticity, I personally found it quite realistic. In reality, many women in these carefully curated, Instagram-ready lifestyles are often the ones truly in control—while presenting an illusion of male dominance. It’s fascinating, and this story takes that concept even further by introducing a planned community layered with secrets and shaped by both its residents and the online audience watching from the outside.

In the end, although I found the ending disappointing and poorly constructed, I genuinely enjoyed about 85% of this book and would still recommend it. The conclusion is left open enough that it could work well as the start of a duology, and if that happens, I’d happily continue the story—and read more from this author in the future.

A gripping premise, compelling structure, and thoughtful themes almost carried this to perfection… but a weak twist kept it from sticking the landing.

I am thankful to have received a complimentary eARC from Joffee Books via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

[Marie-Chantal Thibault · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Tradwife’s Lie is a modern psychological thriller that hooked me quickly — not just for the suspense, but for how sharply it explores influencer culture.

There’s an almost cult-like undercurrent to the tradwife community portrayed here — a world I hadn’t really looked into before, and one that felt both fascinating and deeply unsettling.

What stayed with me most, though, is how it reflects our relationship with visibility. The constant pull of followers, likes, and external validation… and how easily that can start to shape identity, choices, even reality itself.

I knew early on I could never live in a place like Westbrook — but I was completely invested in watching it unfold.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book I’ve read by Bella now and she just keeps on getting better and better. She starts off with a big hook and keeps the pages turning the whole way through. Told from multiple points of views, I enjoyed getting to know the three main characters- Marni who has gone up her career as lawyer to move for a quieter life, Elke, who is a tradwife influencer who is cultivating a group of tradwives, each with their own special skills and Simone, a podcaster who is trying to find Marni and expose what’s going on in Westbrook. I loved the short, sharp chapters, the way Bella set up the trad wife community and how she dropped hints and secrets before unleashing s few big twists and the build up to the big finale. A fun, twisty domestic thriller exploring influencer and tradwife themes.

[Rob T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Bella Ellwood-Clayton, Joffe Books, and NetGallery for this ARC.

“Who can find a virtuous woman?
for her price is far above rubies.”
— Proverbs 31:10

Westbrook, a community nestled in the Hudson Valley, is home to Elke and her “cherries,” a planned community dedicated to upholding traditional values. Picture women living in the quintessential 1950s homemaker setting—this purgatory of suburbia appears to be an idyllic community. However, beneath its surface lies a different story. Elke leads this cult-like order with an iron fist, and deception, fraud, and manipulation are rampant.

Diwa, a demoted disciple, possesses incriminating evidence of the town’s mismanagement of federal funds. However, she mysteriously succumbs to “suicide,” or perhaps murder. Simone, an outsider podcaster determined to expose the town’s corruption, finds herself framed in connection with Diwa’s death.

Diwa’s only friend, Marni, finds herself unexpectedly thrust into leadership after Elke announces a significant expansion on the West Coast, which Elke will personally lead. However, Marni harbors a secret: she is having an affair with Elke’s stepson and is pregnant with his child. Marni is concerned because her husband is suspected of mishandling his deceased wife’s medication, and he has been handling her prenatal vitamins. This revelation sets the stage for a web of intrigue. The same night Simone is murdered at her Airbnb. Oh, my. So much drama and it’s exciting.

This engaging and easy-to-read story unfolds steadily with short chapters, keeping me eagerly anticipating the next chapter. It’s been a delight reading and would recommend to any who enjoy a good page turner.

[Krista Messer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this book! I enjoyed this story overall. Trad wives and unhinged women always make a good thriller story. I did see the twist coming, but I enjoyed getting the different perspectives throughout the book.

[LeeAnn Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ☆
​I absolutely loved this! The premise was fascinating; I hadn't heard of the "tradwife" lifestyle before, and this was an eye-opening introduction. I particularly liked the modern elements—the inclusion of podcasts and social media posts perfectly captured how curated "perfect" lives are often portrayed online.

​It was a gripping, unpredictable, and emotional journey that I managed to devour in just three days. Every time I had to put it down, I was counting the minutes until I could pick it back up. Truly a detailed and relatable read!

​Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[aanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Bella Ellwood-Clayton, Joffe Books, and NetGalley for this arc!

“What compels educated women to abandon their careers for domestic submission?”

A riveting and addictive thriller, The Tradwife’s Lie by Bella Ellwood-Clayton, combines the idyllic charm of small-town life with an eerie, almost psychologically disturbing undercurrent. Set in the traditional, value-centric town of Westbrook, we follow our main characters: Simone, a nosy outsider and sociology podcaster from out of town; Marni, the seemingly flawless woman embedded in the town’s elite inner circles; and Elke, the architect behind the operation, where devotion to homemaking, obedience, and above all, image masks something far deeper.

Beyond its chilling premise, the book delivers immaculate execution through its compelling cast of characters. As a reader, I was especially drawn to Diwa and Elke, who were by far the most intriguing of the bunch. Shrouded in mystery, the two women bring a pervasive sense of eeriness and curiosity to the story. I found myself taking mental notes of their every action, hungry to know more. Marni’s arc, on the other hand, unfolds slowly but proves to be deeply satisfying, tracing a complex journey with love, abuse, healing, and family.

One character I struggled to connect with was Simone. As the only character grounded in modern-world ideas, one who quoted the literary greats and possessed an inviting determination, she seemed, in theory, like the character that I would have resonated the most with. However, her function as a plot device, primarily as an informant to the audience, overshadowed her more interesting attributes and relationships. As a result, Simone was effectively reduced to just a narrative conduit, rather than a compelling, fully realized character.

Although the plot kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end, it ultimately fell flat. Throughout the novel, I found myself searching for seemingly irrelevant details that would later prove crucial towards the reveal, morsels of information I fully expected to revisit and understand in retrospect. That sense of narrative payoff never fully materialized. In comparison to all the other secrets uncovered throughout the book, the central motive reads as shallow and not completely thought out.

The pacing was well executed until the final ten percent of the book, where events begin to feel rushed, and little time is reserved for explanation, resulting in noticeable plot holes. For example, it is implied that Bruna faked the text exchange between Simone and Diwa; however, the mechanics of this feat are still unknown.

One aspect I did enjoy from the final parts of the book, however, was the use of mixed media, such as text messages, Instagram posts, and news articles, as a narrative tool, adding a layer of complexity and intrigue, enhancing the novel's exploration of how image and control play out in the digital age.

One of the novel’s final lines—“I’m not really running Westbrook at all. I’m just the face they need — young, sympathetic, relatable.”—lingers long after the book’s ending, leaving enough intrigue and room for a sequel, particularly one that delves into the inner workings of the “system”, which I would be open to reading if ever published. With its shifting timelines, eerie atmosphere, multiple points of view, and a cast of characters harbouring deeply troubling secrets, The Tradwife’s Lie would appeal to readers who enjoy the works of Lucy Foley or Karen McManus, like myself.

Review also posted on Substack - https://substack.com/home/post/p-1860...

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s something both fascinating and quietly unsettling about the idea of “having it all” especially when that “all” is carefully curated for an audience. In The Tradwife's Secret by Bella Ellwood-Clayton, we are invited into a world where perfection isn’t just expected ,it’s scheduled, filtered, and posted for the world to admire.

Set in the idyllic and slightly eerie town of Westbrook - this made me think of the TV show "American Housewife" , this novel explores the concept of the “tradwife” lifestyle where women embrace traditional domestic roles, from baking sourdough to sewing and tending the land. But this isn’t just a quaint throwback to simpler times. Oh no, this is tradition reimagined for the age of Instagram, hashtags, and influencer culture. Every woman in Westbrook has her niche, her brand, and her place in a carefully constructed social hierarchy that runs from “Cherries” to “Blossoms.” It’s as polished as it is pressurised.

Reading this, I couldn’t help but ask myself: could I live like this? Could any of us? The regimented routines, the constant need to perform perfection ,it’s both alluring and suffocating.

What makes this story truly compelling is the slow unravelling of that picture-perfect façade. When an outsider arrives ,a podcaster who specialises in cults and hidden communities and she begins to dig beneath the surface. And just like in Pleasantville, the cracks start to show. The smiles don’t quite reach the eyes, the posts feel a little too forced, and suddenly, the glossy sheen of Westbrook begins to dull.

And then… things take a darker turn.

Because in a town built on likes, numbers, and endorsements, there’s a lot at stake. Bella Ellwood-Clayton masterfully explores just how far people will go to maintain their image and their influence. Secrets bubble to the surface, tensions rise, and yes… even murder enters the mix.

This was such a gripping, thought-provoking read for me. I loved how it blended social commentary with a twisty, almost sinister narrative. It’s the kind of book that makes you look twice at the “perfect” lives you scroll past every day.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a modern edge, stories about influencer culture, or books that explore the darker side of community and conformity, then The Tradwife’s Secret is one you’ll definitely want to add to your TBR.

Trust me once you step into Westbrook, you won’t see “perfect” the same way again.

[Alison Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story opens with a gripping prologue: Marni arrives at her friend Diwa’s house, concerned when no one answers the door. Letting herself in, she discovers Diwa dead behind the couch in her front room. Panicked and unsure what to do, Marni calls her friend Elke Thornton for help. From this shocking moment, the story rewinds to the week leading up to the discovery.
Marni is a respected member of the Westbrook community and married to Xiang Choi, but beneath the surface her life is far from perfect. She’s hiding secrets of her own, including an affair she shouldn’t be having. Much of Marni’s life revolves around the community founded by Elke Thornton, the woman who welcomed her into the group and introduced her to her husband.
Meanwhile, Simone Bator arrives in Westbrook to investigate the community for her podcast Sociology After Dark. Marni’s younger sister has grown concerned about the lifestyle Marni has embraced and the way she has cut off all communication with her family. Simone also has her own connection to Marni—they were once friends—and she wants to understand what could have caused Marni to walk away from her old life.
Simone stays at an Airbnb owned by Darcy Laurens, another member of the community. As Simone begins speaking to residents and digging deeper, it quickly becomes clear that Westbrook is not as idyllic as it seems. Many of the residents appear secretive and uneasy, and the deeper Simone investigates, the more unsettling things become.
When Diwa’s death is ruled a suicide, Simone isn’t convinced. Shortly before her death, Diwa had been sharing information with Simone and hinted that she had evidence about the community. As Simone uncovers more secrets, it becomes increasingly clear that some people in Westbrook will do anything to protect the community and keep the truth buried.
This was a really compelling read with plenty of interesting characters and an atmosphere of tension and unease throughout. The author chose a fascinating topic with the tradwife community, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story. The small-town setting works perfectly for a thriller filled with secrets, manipulation and murder.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read that kept me curious about where the story was heading. If you enjoy thrillers set in seemingly perfect communities hiding dark secrets, this is definitely one to check out.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary
When Marni’s sister approaches Simone about the suspicious cult-like community Marni has become a member of, Simone smells a story. Not only is Simone a podcaster that reveals the inner workings of manipulative communities, she’s also an old college friend of Marni’s.

Marni seemingly had everything going for her, a law degree, and recently named a partner at her firm. But to everyone’s surprise, she suddenly leaves her career to join a community bolstering “tradwife” values. She’s quickly married off and becomes the town’s local baker.

Simone is determined to get to the bottom of Marni’s sudden decision and in the process reveal corruption and manipulation in this idyllic town.

Review
Such a unique premise for a story and very well executed. The shifting POV was seamless and really served the purpose of letting the reader into the head’s of the key players. Elke’s POV in particular is *chef’s kiss*. I also really enjoyed the occasional social media style content woven in.

For those that love an aesthetic setting, this one’s for you! I felt like I could picture every part of this town, between the cherry blossom orchards and the traditional style shops, it felt surprisingly welcoming.

The story was engaging and fast paced, but I would personally classify this as more of a mystery than a thriller, although, I could see the argument for either one.

Unfortunately, the last 10% or so of the book felt rushed and the “twist” fell flat. All of the red herrings throughout feel a little more meaningless when the “twist” doesn’t come with any real context or background regarding the character. Without any spoilers, the ending leaves the reader with very many questions, very few answers, and more plot holes than Swiss cheese. Still absolutely worth the read for the first 90% alone, but definitely was left wanting more out of the end.

(Thank you to Bella Ellwood-Clayton, Joffe Books, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be published March 26, 2026)

[Nanasbookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

The Tradwife’s Lie by Bella Ellwood-Clayton is a chilling psychological thriller that explores how perfection can rot from the inside.

Marni flees New York for the quiet town of Westbrook, desperate for a fresh start. With the help of Elke Thorton, the influencer who essentially built the community’s image and power, Marni manages to blend in, marry her husband Xiang, and adopt the town’s idealized 1950s “traditional wife” lifestyle. From the outside, Westbrook looks like a dream. In reality, it is a carefully controlled nightmare. Anyone who dares to question the rules is swiftly silenced.

When Simone, a podcaster, learns about Westbrook, she decides to investigate the town for her show. Her motives are personal too. Marni is her friend, and something about her sudden change feels deeply wrong. As Simone digs deeper, secrets unravel, tensions rise, and the consequences turn deadly. How far will the people in power go to protect their perfect image?

I couldn’t put this book down. It pulls you in from the very first page and never loosens its grip. The story unfolds through multiple POVs, which adds depth and keeps the suspense simmering throughout. I loved how the author weaves in modern elements like influencer culture and podcast journalism, making the story feel disturbingly relevant.

There’s an underlying sense of dread from early on, with Marni’s strange behavior and palpable fear hinting at a hidden truth. As Simone’s investigation progresses and deaths begin to occur, the tension escalates beautifully. I had a strong feeling about what was going to happen, but not who was responsible, which made the twists even more satisfying.

Each character felt distinct and purposeful, and the ending genuinely caught me off guard. I closed the book with lingering questions and that unsettled feeling only a great thriller leaves behind.

This is a gripping, thought-provoking psychological thriller that I highly recommend.

[Jessica Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tradwife’s Lie was an engaging read that kept me turning the pages for the majority of the book. I’m thankful to have received a complimentary eARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

I really enjoyed the premise and overall concept. The exploration of the “tradwife” label and the online persona versus reality dynamic felt timely and interesting, particularly as it was a topic I hadn’t encountered much before reading this. The multiple POV structure worked well in building tension and offering different perspectives on the same events, and for around 90% of the novel I was genuinely invested and eager to see how everything would unfold.

That said, while the different viewpoints added intrigue, I found it difficult to fully connect with any individual character. Many of them felt intentionally flawed or unlikable, which worked thematically but created a slight emotional distance that made the stakes feel less impactful.

The biggest issue for me was the ending. Although I didn’t predict the twist, that wasn’t because it was cleverly seeded — rather, the reveal centred on a character who had very little presence or development throughout the story. Their backstory and motivations felt underexplored, which made the conclusion feel rushed and ultimately a little underwhelming after such a strong build-up.

It’s frustrating because the novel had real potential to be a five-star read. The writing is compelling, the premise is strong, and the pacing keeps you engaged — but the final payoff didn’t quite match the tension created earlier in the book.

Overall, this is a solid, thought-provoking thriller with an interesting concept and plenty to keep readers hooked, even if the ending didn’t fully deliver for me.

[Sharon Wishnow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy suspense or maybe a pop-culture thriller that makes you side eye your neighbors. I can't decide how to start this review. Bella Ellwood-Clayton is the queen of the modern day twisty, unputdownable read. The Tradwife's Lie is her latest novel where an idyllic upstate NY community is nothing more than one woman's social media platform.

When a popular podcaster known for immersive journalism exposing cults and crime takes on a personal journey to locate a missing friend, she finds herself in a town of manicured streets, quaint shops, and neighborly good vibes that looks more like a throwback to a 1950s post-war subdivision. And that smell, everywhere she goes she's assaulted by a sickly sweet cherry-almond perfume all the women wear. It's not difficult to find the driving force, Elke, the town's Tradwife matriarch who has replaced religion with instagram and home baked pies. Elke doesn't hide. She's proud of the community and the life they all lead, away from the stress of modern living and women can do it all expectations.

But underneath the designer clothes, and tucked into the hay loft, there is murder, sex, lies, and coverups that go deeper than anyone knows. You may see it all on Instagram but for certain, it's only what Elke wants you to see.

And the missing friend, she's so over her head she could expose it all, but for sure Elke isn't about to let that little problem happen.

Yes, this is fiction but as with all of Clayton's stories, it has a remarkable ripped from the headlines feel. And in this modern era of celebrity social media gossip, deep fakes, and oh so curated content, it's believable. A delicious escape, a quick read, and I may never go to the farmers market again without looking twice at who is there.

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this complimentary advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tradwife’s Lie is one of those stories that pulls you in with its idyllic surface—cherry orchards, homemakers’ fairs, smiling wives—and then slowly reveals the rot beneath. Westbrook is the kind of town that pretends to offer safety and structure, but the deeper you go, the more you feel the walls closing in. It’s an unsettling, elegant setup, and the dual perspectives of Marni and Elke make it even more intoxicating.

Marni’s voice is especially compelling. She arrives in Westbrook fragile, exhausted, and desperate for a place where she doesn’t have to make decisions. Watching her settle into the town’s rigid hierarchy feels soothing at first… until the cracks begin to show. Her pregnancy raises the stakes, and the quiet dread that builds as she uncovers what happens to women who step out of line is masterfully done.

Then there’s Elke—controlled, calculating, and utterly magnetic. Her chapters peel back the glossy veneer of Westbrook to reveal the machinery underneath: loyalty enforced through beauty, tradition used as a weapon, and a community built on the illusion of choice. The contrast between how the wives see the town and how Elke sees it gives the novel a sharp, unsettling edge.

The tension simmers beautifully throughout, and the final twist lands with the kind of jolt that makes you rethink everything that came before. It’s a story about power disguised as protection, about the seduction of belonging, and about the danger of systems that thrive on silence.

Perfect for readers who love psychological suspense with a polished finish, morally tangled characters, and that creeping sense that something lovely is also something lethal.

With thanks to Bella Ellwood-Clayton, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

[Jo Marks · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something deliciously unsettling about stepping into a world where everything looks wholesome on the surface… and feels faintly dangerous underneath.
The Tradwife’s Lie drops us into Hudson Valley’s Westbrook, a place where belonging is currency, wives are carefully curated, and conformity is dressed up as “simpler times, real joy.” From the opening chapters, there’s a quiet sense that something is simmering just below the surface. The tension isn’t explosive at first… it hums. It waits. And then it begins to tighten.
Elwood-Clayton keeps the pace brisk with short, sharp chapters that make this an easy book to devour. The multiple narrators add texture and dimension, allowing us to see how power, performance and pressure ripple through this community from different angles. My suspicions about “whodunnit” shifted more than once, always a good sign in a novel built around secrets.
What makes this story particularly compelling is its sharp juxtaposition: the aesthetic of domestic bliss and “traditional” values set against the very modern machinery of social media, influencers, midnight phone check-ins, and the quiet policing of women’s lives. The novel examines the idea of “invisible work” - emotional, domestic, reputational - and the ways in which control can be disguised as protection, tradition, or love.
There are shades here, for me, of The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin and Harvest Home by Tom Tryon… that eerie, closed-community tension where belonging comes at a cost, though this novel feels distinctly contemporary in its concerns.
An engaging, fast-paced thriller that plays cleverly with image, identity, and the performance of perfection.

Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

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

The Trad Wife’s Lie by Bella Elwood Clayton is a quick fun thriller that I really enjoyed. after a horrible incident at the law firm she wants enjoyed working at Marnie moves to the suburbs and joins the cherries a group of Instagraming traditional homemakers who all have individual skills such as one bakes one gardens ETC. is it just a group of wives who like to share their content or is it a cult. It seems the cherries have a lot more going on behind the sceenes then they do on their Instagram and Simone is coming to find out what. soon after she arrives one of the wives wind up dead and due to it being a small town it isn’t long before they want to blame her for the murder in this book we learn why it’s dangerous for a big fish in a small town to play their games on an outsider because they just might not recognize the outsider is a much bigger fish. growing up my mom was friends with this lady who wanted everything to be pitch perfect and one day I mentioned why did she always look so picture perfect and I remember my mom said the more perfect people try to make their self the more things they have to hide now I don’t know if that is true in real life but in this book it definitely proves to be. I really enjoyed this book I found it hard to put down I thought Simone was a great character and although I liked Marnie as well I just cannot stay in lying or cheating it’s like those who vote for Trump wants to know you voted for him I can’t look at the same again especially if you still support him to this day. Having said that I really loved this book totally enjoyed it and highly recommended. #NEtGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,

[Julie Hastrup · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tradwife’s Lie is a razor-sharp psychological thriller that lingers long after the final page. Set in Hudson Valley’s insular enclave of Westbrook, where wives are currency and belonging comes at a steep price, the novel explores power, identity, and the seductive pull of curated perfection with chilling precision.

At the heart of the story is Marni, a former New York legal up-and-comer who flees both personal trauma and the suffocating expectations of the legal world in search of reinvention. Westbrook promises sanctuary—order, sisterhood, and a return to traditional values. But what she finds within the polished circle of tradwives is far more complicated. The sisterhood is intoxicating, the aesthetic immaculate, and the rules absolute. And at the center stands a charismatic ringleader whose vision of devotion demands more than anyone bargained for.

As tragedy begins to close in and people near Marni die under increasingly unsettling circumstances, the novel shifts from social drama to pulse-pounding suspense. The tension builds masterfully, each chapter peeling back another layer of illusion. Is Westbrook a refuge, a cult, a carefully constructed performance—or something in between? The brilliance of the book lies in its refusal to offer easy answers.

Smart and compulsively readable, The Tradwife’s Lie is a gripping exploration of how easily sanctuary can become a gilded cage—and how dangerous it is when identity is built on illusion. It’s a book that keeps you guessing until the very end, and one that’s nearly impossible to put down.

[Book My Imagination · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oooohh what a read this was!
Whether you are on board for the whole Tradwife movement or not
(I am not 😅), this read is going to suck you in.

Right from the opening page, I was in this story.
With multiple pov's, great characters, quick & sharp chapters, and a movement which seems to be garnering quite the following, this read is current, and engaging.

👜 Elke - The character that dominates within this tradwife culture. Has setup a social hierarchy within the town and constantly checks in with her "cherries".
👜 Marni - High level lawyer needing to reset her life moves to Westbrook for a new start.
👜 Simone - Podcaster come to find out all about this town and it's culture. But what she finds is something else entirely.

These 3 characters lead you on quite the ride.
With secrets, favours, tradition, twists, and control: thinking for yourself outside of the hierarchy can be dangerous.

This was one of those books that can be read in one sitting, or be read as a book club read. This will definitely bring great conversation afterwards!
I read it as part of a buddy read over 5 days, and it was so hard stopping at the allocated chapters. 😅 I wanted to continue.

I did have a fair idea who the culprit was, but the real hook for me was the whole tradwife ideal and how it could be utilised for money and prestige.

This is the 3rd book from Bella that I have read, and I must say, she just gets better each book!

thankyou to the author for the opportunity to read this complimentary advanced copy. opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved The Swimming Group by this author back in April and so was already drawn to this read - but as soon as I spotted this front cover, I actually squealed!

 

Now, I'm not really up with all these labels thrown around nowadays - but I'm pretty sure that I'd be classed as a tradwife and I love reading thrillers that focus on these women as main characters.

I feel that I can really relate to them so much!

Haha - ok, usually without most of the lies, secrets and especially no murders - but still, I'm fascinated.

 

Marni was great - but as toxic as her previous life was, she really had no clue how bad things would become once she had entrenched herself in Westbrook.

It's that typical claustrophobic community where everyone knew their place and everyone knew the rules!

 

The writing instantly plunges us into this tense atmosphere and it's easy to get sucked into daily life - but when Marni's friend is found dead, things start to fall apart and the true characters atrt to emerge.

 

I loved the multi pov format which allowed us to really delve into the minds of our main characters - even so, getting to know them better, I still questioned some of the decisions made along the way.

 

I was completely hooked throughout, but just found the final reveal a little odd and confusing.

 

Still, overall, this was a great read and I'm already looking forward to seeing what comes next.

[Julie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Tradwife’s Lie by Bella Ellwood-Clayton, and wow… I was hooked by chapter two. Like cancel-your-plans, ignore-your-phone hooked.

What starts off as a seemingly tight-knit community of trad wives living the picture-perfect life quickly unravels into something much darker. The secrets in this book are layered, and just when you think you understand what’s going on, another twist slides in and makes you question everything.

The tension builds so subtly at first — quiet conversations, strange dynamics, little red flags — and then suddenly you realize something is very wrong in this community. It is all deeply connected to the power structures and unspoken rules holding everything together. No one feels fully innocent. No one feels fully safe.

I loved how immersive this story was. It felt almost claustrophobic in the best way, like you’re inside the community watching it crack from the inside out. The pacing kept me turning pages late into the night because I had to know who was hiding what — and how far they’d go to keep it buried.

If you love twisty thrillers about seemingly perfect communities with dark underbellies, this one absolutely delivers. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.
Huge thank you for the ARC — this was such a gripping, page-turning read.

[Mackenzie Busalacchi · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Tradwife's Lie is a drama-filled, fast-paced psychological thriller. After experiencing trauma in New York, Marni moves to Westbrook where she joins the Cherries - a community of tradwives built by Elke and her husband. Since moving, Marni has met her wonderful partner, made lifelong friends, and found success as an influencer. However, while everything seems to be going well, Marni is hiding quite a few secrets. Marni's family back in New York is worried about her and sends one of her former friends, now a podcaster, to come talk some sense into her. Simone has no idea what she is getting herself into when she travels to Elke's world. With the lives of the three women colliding, high drama unfolds in Westbrook.

While I thought the premise of The Tradwife's Lie sounded quite intriguing, there was simply too much going on for me to enjoy the book. Between the affair, the pregnancy, the real-estate drama, the political corruption, and the tradwife angle - it was all too much. The entire plot became unrealistic. Additionally, all of the characters are extremely unlikable, and I really did not care what happened to any of them. I was interested to find out who the ultimate "bad guy" was, so I was motivated to finish the book. With that said, the reveal of the murderer was a bit disappointing. Overall, this just wasn't a book for me.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Happy Publication Day to the addictive new thriller from Bella Ellwood-Clayton, The Tradwife’s Lie.

Marni is running away from the trauma of her past when she arrives in the wholesome town of Westbrook. Attracted by the idyllic lifestyle portrayed by social media tradwife Elke, who has personally invited her to join their community, Marni is soon married and settled into the expectations of their leader including midnight check ins, compulsory social media posting and a certain way of behaving. When an old friend and podcaster arrives to track her down and investigate this group, the perfect façade begins to crumble and what it exposes could be deadly.

I binged this book in a day! It was such a compelling story with some very shadowy and questionable characters and was one of the most riveting thrillers I’ve read in a long while. I was incredibly curious about the tradwife way of life and while this seemed to have more of a modern spin than I expected there was still a great deal of control and manipulation happening. This community was very cult-like in their unquestioning obeying of rules and following of schedules and I could not look away from what was happening on the page.

This is my third book from Bella and each has been even better than the last. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.

[julia gulia 👻🖤⚡️🙃 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Westbrook. Where no apron is left unpressed, men live their picket fence dreams and social media is curated more precisely than a military operation. But as with all seemingly idyllic 50s-centric communities, the underbelly of this community is not as sweet as Marni’s famous multi-apple (because we wouldn’t settle for just Granny Smiths, would we?) pie. 

The formidable Elke, aka founder of Westbrook, keeps her ‘Cherries’ in a vice grip. Curating their every move to ensure they perform their housewife duties to perfection.

But when someone from Marni’s past reemerges on what appears to be a witch hunt, Elke quickly realizes some cherries rot early… and in ways that could blow up Westbrook and everything Elke’s built and worked for.

The Tradwife’s Lie is a delightful domestic thriller that’s just the right mix of Don’t Worry Darling (sans simulation and with all parties consent), soap-opera-level drama (infidel-tea included… you know the vibe 😉) and culty undertones that’ll have you casting Nicole Kidman as Elke in your little mind movie (hint hint Netflix).

The biggest thank you to Bella Ellwood Clayton for trusting me early with the gift of this ARC. You’ve got a Cherry for life!

PS: If you need trigger warnings, definitely check the note at the beginning of the book. Always choose your thrillers with care and your mindset in mind. 🫶🏼

[Julie (JuJu) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tradwife’s Lie — 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Shoutout to Zooloo’s Book Tours for inviting me on this wild ride. And thanks to the author and Joffe Books for the #GiftedARC.

Westbrook is all smiles and cherry orchards on the outside, but step one foot in, and you feel the rules pressing in. Mandatory check-ins. Silent consequences. This place is obsessed with its tradwife fantasy that only works if everyone plays nice.

Marni rolls in, desperate for a do-over after her work life goes up in flames. Westbrook wastes no time matching her with a husband straight out of their Stepford starter pack. Spoiler: he’s perfect for their creepy little utopia, not for her. The real complication is her pregnancy, but the baby daddy is definitely not her husband. That secret is a ticking time bomb.

Elke runs Westbrook like a queen bee with a clipboard. Every wife falls in line because stepping out of it has never ended well. And when a podcaster rolls into town and starts poking at the cracks, the whole system starts to shake.

This one grabbed me with its Stepford vibes and that slow, delicious build-up. The secrets are messy. Watching the perfect little mask slip is honestly the best part. If you love a twisty domestic thriller with a final reveal that’ll make your jaw drop, you need to read this.

[Patrice Gotting - #prdgreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts: this book read like one of limited series on Netflix, I was hooked, it made me feel uncomfortable all the way through & I know it makes me sound weird but I love it when a thriller has you wrapped up in the story that any little noise that happens around you makes you stop for a second.

In this one we’re following Marni, who is trying to escape something traumatic in her past & finds the community in Westbrook, she very quickly becomes a Cherry, one of the main people after Elke which means she has a lot of responsibility in withholding the rules and expectations.

I had no idea what a Tradwife was going into this book and if I’m being honest I’m not sure I’m really any the wiser but what I do know is that the concept of it made me feel so uneasy, it felt seedy and underhand and just yucky (yes I know that description makes me sound like a child) but it worked so well with the story.

There’s, secrets upon secrets, no one is telling the truth & I think I can honestly say I liked one character in this book & that was Simone.

That’s not a slight on the author at all, I felt like they were all written to be unlikeable so you didn’t gravitate towards trusting anyone.

Thoroughly enjoyed it & would 100% recommend.

[Kez · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Behind every successful man there is a woman.”

The tradwife movement is all the rage now. There are so many #tradwife Instagram families out there that really show the curated side of 1950s living. You know the type. The man runs the household and makes all the rules, and the wife keeps her pretty mouth shut and plays happy families while tending to the house and children.

And that is seemingly what is happening in Westbrook – at least from the outside. Simone has gone in search of her friend, Marni, who has moved to Westbrook and lost touch with her very worried sister. Marni, who used to have a career, would never be caught being some old guy’s happy little wife and obeying his wishes – would she?

There is such a culty vibe around this book that I loved. On the surface, the women are happy little homemakers, but just under that perfect little pie crust is a mixture of murder, corruption, and scandal.

It is a different take on the tradwife movement than I had anticipated, but I was all for it. It is such a page turner, and when the twists came, they came! I really enjoyed this one and would love to see a sequel on what Elke is getting up to next.

[Donna Norman-Carbone · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tradwife’s Lie by Bella Ellwood-Clayton is a gripping domestic thriller set in the seemingly idyllic Hudson Valley town of Westbrook, where perfection is carefully curated—and dangerously deceptive. The story centers on three compelling women: Marni, a conflicted insider desperate to outrun a sordid past; Simone, a journalist whose curiosity pulls her deeper than she ever intended; and Elke, the enigmatic architect of it all, whose talent for manipulation keeps the entire world spinning.
With eerie The Stepford Wives vibes, the novel delivers a sharp indictment of influencer culture and the seductive pull of belonging at any cost. Ellwood-Clayton crafts richly layered characters and a steadily tightening plot that keeps the pages turning late into the night.
Fans of Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty and the unsettling perfection of Don't Worry Darling will find The Tradwife’s Lie impossible to put down—a glossy world of curated lives where the most dangerous lies are the ones people most want to believe.

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this complimentary advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Areeba · Rating 5 out of 5]

*The Tradwife’s Lie* isn’t usually the kind of book I would pick up, but I have to admit it was an excellent and surprisingly gripping read. It takes a really twisted look at tradwife culture and the way some women today embrace it as a way of pushing back against feminism. The book explores how these women believe they’re in control of their lives and their choices, but as the story unfolds, things start to go very wrong.
The mystery deepens when a murder shakes their small community, and it slowly becomes clear that everyone is connected to everyone else in strange and complicated ways. That’s what made the book so compelling for me, every time I thought I understood what was going on, another layer appeared.
I also really enjoyed the writing style. It felt very current and in tune with the present moment. The story really brings in social media in a really natural way, mentioning platforms like TikTok and Instagram and showing how online culture can shape people’s identities, beliefs, and even their communities. Those little details made the story feel very real. So, it was one of those books that keeps you turning the pages because you just have to know what happens next.

[Bre Sandoval · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 stars
“The Tradwife’s Lie” by Bella Ellwood-Clayton is a psychological thriller that took a new popular “trend” that can be considered a guilty pleasure for some and twisted it into a fast paced read that ultimately left me wanting more.

Upon reading the concept for the novel, I was really excited to read because I’ve seen the trending “tradwife” videos on TikTok. To take that concept and turn it into a whole town was phenomenal. It was enticing to read and the switching POVs really do give you the behind the scenes look.


The concept of the novel was a 5/5 for me. However, it fell flat because while diabolical, NONE of the characters had the likability needed for me to sympathize or root for them. Similarly, the “plot twist” really fell flat, it was truly the build up that was the most entertaining part of the book. I do feel like the “end” was totally out of left field for the character and didn’t make sense to me. It felt like a story that had so much potential but left me wanting more .

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this complimentary advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.