Hellmouth

by Meredith Anthony

Ask yourself...

What's the worst thing that can happen to a happily married woman?
Thinking your husband is cheating?
Suspecting he’s killed his lover?
Wondering if you’re next?

Welcome to hell.

By turns very dark and surprisingly funny, HELLMOUTH chronicles a woman’s determination to discover the truth. Smart and confident, Helen brushes aside rumors that her husband, a powerful judge, is having an affair. But when the woman in question is killed, Helen’s fears sharpen. A high-profile murder case overshadows the woman’s death, but Helen has to know.

She pursues the truth, even though the cost of knowing might be her husband’s life.
​Or her own.

332 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2017

About the author

Meredith Anthony is the author of the thriller HELLMOUTH (AuthorHouse) and LADYKILLER (Oceanview). Her short stories have appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine and in PHILADELPHIA NOIR (Akashic). Her play, MURDER ON THE MAIN LINE, is in workshop. She lives in New York City with her fabulous husband, author Lawrence Light.

Reviews

[Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts out on a tear and never lets up before the surprising ending. The narrative pulls you through a fast-paced series of alarming yet entertaining developments that shake up a small Pennsylvania town where the book's narrator -- and hero -- is the proud and buxom wife of the local judge, who seems to have his hand in way too many pies for anyone's good. Lots of colorful characters and lots of bodies are drawn in along the way, adding to the fun. This is the perfect book for a summer read on the beach, a plane ride or poolside. The female protagonist, Helen Goode, who tells the tale, is particularly well drawn; this is a woman full of character and worthy of multiple dark conspiracies.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the author of Ladykiller, this clever whodunit has surprise twists from the very start. Its coal-country setting is fresh and unexpected, as are its brainy protagonists—picture Nick and Nora, but more....complicated. Add suspense, wit, and evil in all its manifestations, from petty to political, and you've got a fun read right to the very finish.

[Elizabeth Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the wild, wicked and wonderful female protagonist in Hellmouth. She kept me guessing. 'Fun plot -- with a surprise at the end. A great summer read...

[Joseph Finder · Rating 5 out of 5]

HELLMOUTH is a return to the classic midcentury pulp novels, a boisterous potboiler complete with corrupt politicos, murderous union bosses, lusty dames and last-minute twists. Great fun.