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The Mother-in-Law
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Mystery & Thriller (2019)A twisty, compelling novel about one woman's complicated relationship with her mother-in-law that ends in murder...
From the moment Lucy met her husband's mother, Diana, she was kept at arm's length. Diana was exquisitely polite, and properly friendly, but Lucy knew that she was not what Diana envisioned. But who could fault Diana? She was a pillar of the community, an advocate for social justice who helped female refugees assimilate to their new country. Diana was happily married to Tom, and lived in wedded bliss for decades. Lucy wanted so much to please her new mother-in-law.
That was five years ago.
Now, Diana has been found dead, a suicide note near her body. Diana claims that she no longer wanted to live because of a battle with cancer.
But the autopsy finds no cancer.
The autopsy does find traces of poison and suffocation.
Who could possibly want Diana dead?
Why was her will changed at the eleventh hour to disinherit both of her adult children and their spouses?
With Lucy's secrets getting deeper and her relationship with her mother-in-law growing more complex as the pages turn, this new novel from Sally Hepworth is sure to add to her growing legion of fans.
From the moment Lucy met her husband's mother, Diana, she was kept at arm's length. Diana was exquisitely polite, and properly friendly, but Lucy knew that she was not what Diana envisioned. But who could fault Diana? She was a pillar of the community, an advocate for social justice who helped female refugees assimilate to their new country. Diana was happily married to Tom, and lived in wedded bliss for decades. Lucy wanted so much to please her new mother-in-law.
That was five years ago.
Now, Diana has been found dead, a suicide note near her body. Diana claims that she no longer wanted to live because of a battle with cancer.
But the autopsy finds no cancer.
The autopsy does find traces of poison and suffocation.
Who could possibly want Diana dead?
Why was her will changed at the eleventh hour to disinherit both of her adult children and their spouses?
With Lucy's secrets getting deeper and her relationship with her mother-in-law growing more complex as the pages turn, this new novel from Sally Hepworth is sure to add to her growing legion of fans.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2019
About the author
Sally Hepworth
17 books43.9k followersSally Hepworth is the New York Times bestselling author of nine novels.
Sally's books have been heralded “enchanting” by The Herald Sun, “smart and engaging” by Publisher’s Weekly, and New York Times bestselling authors Liane Moriarty and Emily Giffin have praised Sally’s novels as “women’s fiction at its finest” and “totally absorbing”.
Sally's novels are available worldwide in English and have been translated into 20 languages.
Sally lives in Melbourne, Australia with her three children.
Sally's books have been heralded “enchanting” by The Herald Sun, “smart and engaging” by Publisher’s Weekly, and New York Times bestselling authors Liane Moriarty and Emily Giffin have praised Sally’s novels as “women’s fiction at its finest” and “totally absorbing”.
Sally's novels are available worldwide in English and have been translated into 20 languages.
Sally lives in Melbourne, Australia with her three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 14,732 reviews
May 28, 2019
I've read a number of thrillers lately, ranging from the quiet character drama of Miracle Creek and Disappearing Earth, to Coben's high-octane Run Away. And this book just sits blandly somewhere between the two.
I had to think about my rating here. I almost upped it to 3 stars because it’s not that BAD. But then it’s not much of anything really. I found it a very tame lukewarm domestic mystery/thriller that lacks either the urgency or depth of characterization needed to make it compelling.
The blurb and the beginning of the book set it up as if we're supposed to believe there's some drama between Lucy and her mother-in-law, Diana, and that the former may have possibly murdered the latter. I think the conflict between Lucy and Diana was supposed to drive the narrative, but it was almost annoying how big of a deal was made out of absolutely nothing. Lucy overhears a conversation between her husband and his mother in which Diana says she (Lucy) is "fine". OH NO. It just... is this really supposed to be a nightmare MIL scenario? Lucy should watch Jane Fonda in Monster-in-Law.
The author would also make a big deal out of innocuous moments like Diana telling Lucy she wanted the necklace back that she lent her for her “something borrowed” during the wedding. It’s so not a threatening or dramatic moment. Many moments seem played up unrealistically. Like the police coming in with their suspicions because - dramatic breath - they could only find one of Diana's sofa cushions.
It's all just very unexciting. And I could totally get behind a slow book that is more about character interactions and relationships than it is about action, but this is not quite that either. Lucy is dull and one-dimensional and Diana, though slightly more interesting, is almost robotic in her adherence to a morality that is very basic, unexplored, and comes from a place of extreme privilege.
Also, the pool of suspects is tiny, so I predicted the conclusion in the first few chapters.
CW: .
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I had to think about my rating here. I almost upped it to 3 stars because it’s not that BAD. But then it’s not much of anything really. I found it a very tame lukewarm domestic mystery/thriller that lacks either the urgency or depth of characterization needed to make it compelling.
The blurb and the beginning of the book set it up as if we're supposed to believe there's some drama between Lucy and her mother-in-law, Diana, and that the former may have possibly murdered the latter. I think the conflict between Lucy and Diana was supposed to drive the narrative, but it was almost annoying how big of a deal was made out of absolutely nothing. Lucy overhears a conversation between her husband and his mother in which Diana says she (Lucy) is "fine". OH NO. It just... is this really supposed to be a nightmare MIL scenario? Lucy should watch Jane Fonda in Monster-in-Law.
The author would also make a big deal out of innocuous moments like Diana telling Lucy she wanted the necklace back that she lent her for her “something borrowed” during the wedding. It’s so not a threatening or dramatic moment. Many moments seem played up unrealistically. Like the police coming in with their suspicions because - dramatic breath - they could only find one of Diana's sofa cushions.
It's all just very unexciting. And I could totally get behind a slow book that is more about character interactions and relationships than it is about action, but this is not quite that either. Lucy is dull and one-dimensional and Diana, though slightly more interesting, is almost robotic in her adherence to a morality that is very basic, unexplored, and comes from a place of extreme privilege.
Also, the pool of suspects is tiny, so I predicted the conclusion in the first few chapters.
CW: .
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September 20, 2018
All I can say is, Magnificent!! This book is headed straight to my favorites’ shelf!!
Oh that poor mother-in-law! Boy, she’s been getting a bad rap lately. This is the third book I’ve read recently regarding a so called “evil mother in law.” This time...it’s just a bit different.
There are two sides to every story. Maybe it’s time we all heard the mother in law’s side of the story....
Told from 2 points of view of Lucy the daughter-in-law and Diana. Yup, you guessed it...Diana “the mother in law.”
Lucy is over the moon about marrying Ollie and becoming part of his family. She’d also like nothing more than to befriend Diana and develop that special bond between mother and daughter-in-law. If only it were that simple… or easy.
When Diana is found dead in her home no one knows if it was a suicide, or if someone with an axe to grind may have wanted her dead. After all, it’s not a stretch to say she may not have been the kindest person to those closest to her.
Oh my gosh! I absolutely could not put this book down! This was such a different take on the typical mother-in-law story! I just loved it! I ran the full gamut of emotions reading this book. It will make you smile, shock you at times...it may even bring a tear to your eye. It did for me.
Sally Hepworth does such a fantastic job creating a character that you can love and hate at the same time! This is my second book from her and while I loved The Family Next Door, this one just blew me away! I was so ready for something original! Needed a different take on a subject that has been repeatedly done. This was that book! Fantastic job Ms. Hepworth! I am now anxiously waiting for your next release!
A buddy read with Susanne(Thank you Susanne!)
Thank you to Jordan Hanley at St Martin’s Press for an advanced copy to read and review.
Oh that poor mother-in-law! Boy, she’s been getting a bad rap lately. This is the third book I’ve read recently regarding a so called “evil mother in law.” This time...it’s just a bit different.
There are two sides to every story. Maybe it’s time we all heard the mother in law’s side of the story....
Told from 2 points of view of Lucy the daughter-in-law and Diana. Yup, you guessed it...Diana “the mother in law.”
Lucy is over the moon about marrying Ollie and becoming part of his family. She’d also like nothing more than to befriend Diana and develop that special bond between mother and daughter-in-law. If only it were that simple… or easy.
When Diana is found dead in her home no one knows if it was a suicide, or if someone with an axe to grind may have wanted her dead. After all, it’s not a stretch to say she may not have been the kindest person to those closest to her.
Oh my gosh! I absolutely could not put this book down! This was such a different take on the typical mother-in-law story! I just loved it! I ran the full gamut of emotions reading this book. It will make you smile, shock you at times...it may even bring a tear to your eye. It did for me.
Sally Hepworth does such a fantastic job creating a character that you can love and hate at the same time! This is my second book from her and while I loved The Family Next Door, this one just blew me away! I was so ready for something original! Needed a different take on a subject that has been repeatedly done. This was that book! Fantastic job Ms. Hepworth! I am now anxiously waiting for your next release!
A buddy read with Susanne(Thank you Susanne!)
Thank you to Jordan Hanley at St Martin’s Press for an advanced copy to read and review.
January 7, 2019
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
I am a huge fan of this author. “The Mother’s Promise” was my first Sally Hepworth novel and is one of my favorite books.
The first line in the description of this novel grabbed my attention…
“A twisty, compelling novel about one woman’s complicated relationship with her mother-in-law that ends in murder…
I couldn’t wait to start reading!
The story begins with a police car pulling up to the home of Lucy and her husband, Ollie. Although the car doesn’t have its lights or siren on, she knows immediately that something isn’t right. “Police don’t arrive on your doorstep at dinnertime unless something is wrong.”
The police ask if they are relatives of Diana Goodwin and right away Lucy knows what they are going to say next…
The story then jumps back ten years to Lucy’s first visit to the Goodwin home. Ollie’s father is friendly and seems happy to meet Lucy as does Ollie’s sister, Nettie. But Ollie’s mother’s greeting is lukewarm. She’s not rude to Lucy, she is very polite…she just seems sort of cold and standoffish.
When Diana meets Lucy, her first thoughts are that Lucy was probably adored by everyone in her life and things probably came very easily to her.
“Take the pregnant refugee girls I deal with every day. They’ve been through unimaginable hardships, and here they are working hard, contributing and grateful”.
Lucy just wants Diana to like her. However, it seems the harder she tries the more strained their relationship becomes.
And now…Diana is dead.
As they learn more about Diana’s death and more things are brought to light, Lucy finds herself questioning everything...some things just aren’t adding up.
Did anyone really know Diana?
I thought this was an excellent story filled with engaging characters and an entertaining plot. We are given insight into the complicated relationships within the family. I liked how it alternated between Diana and Lucy’s point of view in both the past and present. It was interesting seeing how they each read or misread the same situations.
As I mentioned in a previous review of “A Mother’s Promise”, Sally Hepworth does a wonderful job of bringing her characters and their individual stories to life. She creates characters that readers can relate to and empathize with.
This was definitely a thought-provoking read. I’ve read other novels that deal with the relationships between men and women and their in-laws, but I found this to be quite a unique story. I was really surprised by a few things and extremely satisfied with how everything came together in the end.
In my opinion, this was another winning story from Sally Hepworth.
I'd like to thank St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel.
I am a huge fan of this author. “The Mother’s Promise” was my first Sally Hepworth novel and is one of my favorite books.
The first line in the description of this novel grabbed my attention…
“A twisty, compelling novel about one woman’s complicated relationship with her mother-in-law that ends in murder…
I couldn’t wait to start reading!
The story begins with a police car pulling up to the home of Lucy and her husband, Ollie. Although the car doesn’t have its lights or siren on, she knows immediately that something isn’t right. “Police don’t arrive on your doorstep at dinnertime unless something is wrong.”
The police ask if they are relatives of Diana Goodwin and right away Lucy knows what they are going to say next…
The story then jumps back ten years to Lucy’s first visit to the Goodwin home. Ollie’s father is friendly and seems happy to meet Lucy as does Ollie’s sister, Nettie. But Ollie’s mother’s greeting is lukewarm. She’s not rude to Lucy, she is very polite…she just seems sort of cold and standoffish.
When Diana meets Lucy, her first thoughts are that Lucy was probably adored by everyone in her life and things probably came very easily to her.
“Take the pregnant refugee girls I deal with every day. They’ve been through unimaginable hardships, and here they are working hard, contributing and grateful”.
Lucy just wants Diana to like her. However, it seems the harder she tries the more strained their relationship becomes.
And now…Diana is dead.
As they learn more about Diana’s death and more things are brought to light, Lucy finds herself questioning everything...some things just aren’t adding up.
Did anyone really know Diana?
I thought this was an excellent story filled with engaging characters and an entertaining plot. We are given insight into the complicated relationships within the family. I liked how it alternated between Diana and Lucy’s point of view in both the past and present. It was interesting seeing how they each read or misread the same situations.
As I mentioned in a previous review of “A Mother’s Promise”, Sally Hepworth does a wonderful job of bringing her characters and their individual stories to life. She creates characters that readers can relate to and empathize with.
This was definitely a thought-provoking read. I’ve read other novels that deal with the relationships between men and women and their in-laws, but I found this to be quite a unique story. I was really surprised by a few things and extremely satisfied with how everything came together in the end.
In my opinion, this was another winning story from Sally Hepworth.
I'd like to thank St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel.
September 23, 2018
5 Simply Irresistible Stars.
Sally Hepworth is the Master of Domestic Suspense! This is a heart pounding mystery that I was racing to finish! It’s complexities and craziness had me wild-eyed right up until its shocking end. A favorite read for this the year!
Mother-in-Laws, as well all know, are not to be trifled with. Sometimes they’re scarier than others and sometimes you hit the jackpot. Perhaps it’s because of the competition factor, mothers not being able to let go of their sons, or wives simply not feeling like they measure up. Whatever it is, Lucy, (one of the main characters in Sally Hepworth’s “The Mother-in-Law”) knows exactly what I’m talking about. Here, she desperately tries to make a good impression on her Mother-in-Law, Diana, and she fails miserably. Silly, Lucy.. Mommie Dearest always knows best!
Diana however, isn’t so lucky after all. In a crazy turn of events, her body is found in what initially looks like death by suicide. Nothing about Diana’s death adds up and once the investigation begins, everyone in the family is scared stiff. The only motive the cops can find? Money. It always comes down to money, doesn’t it? If only things were that simple.
In “The Mother-In-Law” by Sally Hepworth, the twists and turns simply kept on coming and none of them are foreseen. Discount whatever you think you know, start from scratch, then do it all over again. The storyline is utterly wicked with moments that are simply jaw-dropping. The characters are multi-faceted, and their intentions are never straight-forward. Having read three of Ms. Hepworth’s prior novels, this was my favorite to date. The characters, the mystery and the storyline all came together in a way that fit perfectly: like a jigsaw puzzle, where, once the pieces interlock, I couldn’t help but sit back and smile, absolute perfection! A favorite of the year for 2018!
A buddy read with Kaceey! This was my favorite by far Kaceey!
Thank you to Jordan Hanley at St. Martin’s Press and to Sally Hepworth for a galley of this novel in exchange for an honest review. It was my pleasure.
Published on Goodreads, Twitter and Instagram.
*Will be published on Amazon in April of 2019.
Sally Hepworth is the Master of Domestic Suspense! This is a heart pounding mystery that I was racing to finish! It’s complexities and craziness had me wild-eyed right up until its shocking end. A favorite read for this the year!
Mother-in-Laws, as well all know, are not to be trifled with. Sometimes they’re scarier than others and sometimes you hit the jackpot. Perhaps it’s because of the competition factor, mothers not being able to let go of their sons, or wives simply not feeling like they measure up. Whatever it is, Lucy, (one of the main characters in Sally Hepworth’s “The Mother-in-Law”) knows exactly what I’m talking about. Here, she desperately tries to make a good impression on her Mother-in-Law, Diana, and she fails miserably. Silly, Lucy.. Mommie Dearest always knows best!
Diana however, isn’t so lucky after all. In a crazy turn of events, her body is found in what initially looks like death by suicide. Nothing about Diana’s death adds up and once the investigation begins, everyone in the family is scared stiff. The only motive the cops can find? Money. It always comes down to money, doesn’t it? If only things were that simple.
In “The Mother-In-Law” by Sally Hepworth, the twists and turns simply kept on coming and none of them are foreseen. Discount whatever you think you know, start from scratch, then do it all over again. The storyline is utterly wicked with moments that are simply jaw-dropping. The characters are multi-faceted, and their intentions are never straight-forward. Having read three of Ms. Hepworth’s prior novels, this was my favorite to date. The characters, the mystery and the storyline all came together in a way that fit perfectly: like a jigsaw puzzle, where, once the pieces interlock, I couldn’t help but sit back and smile, absolute perfection! A favorite of the year for 2018!
A buddy read with Kaceey! This was my favorite by far Kaceey!
Thank you to Jordan Hanley at St. Martin’s Press and to Sally Hepworth for a galley of this novel in exchange for an honest review. It was my pleasure.
Published on Goodreads, Twitter and Instagram.
*Will be published on Amazon in April of 2019.
March 24, 2019
Mixed Feelings: One fascinating character coupled with one who was lacking turned this into just an ok read for me.
The Mother-in-Law is a family drama that tracks the tumultuous relationship between a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law.
The book begins with the reader learning of the death of Diana, mother to Ollie and mother-in-law to Lucy. The narrative is divided into both Lucy and Diana's perspectives over the course of ten years.
Diana has been described as some as a hateful character. While she is not necessarily likable, I found her chapters to be fascinating! As cold as she was, her character was much more compelling than Lucy's, who fell rather flat for me. I wanted to know more about Diana--especially her past and her relationship with Tom. There are allusions to what shaped her, but I wanted the whole picture!
I am split between so many elements of this book: The characters, the narrative structure, the plot, etc. At times, I was completely enthralled, whereas during other times I was bored out of mind. I wanted more--I felt that the reader is only offered the surface of Diana and Lucy’s relationship. We dive in a little deeper towards the end, but it seems like in an effort to keep an element of surprise going throughout the novel, we lose what could have been a more complex reading of the relationship between these two women. I also thought that this book was trying to be too many things at once: Domestic drama, women’s fiction, psychological thriller all in one. Overall, while I loved some parts of The Mother-in-Law, it just didn’t work as a whole.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press.
The Mother-in-Law is a family drama that tracks the tumultuous relationship between a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law.
The book begins with the reader learning of the death of Diana, mother to Ollie and mother-in-law to Lucy. The narrative is divided into both Lucy and Diana's perspectives over the course of ten years.
Diana has been described as some as a hateful character. While she is not necessarily likable, I found her chapters to be fascinating! As cold as she was, her character was much more compelling than Lucy's, who fell rather flat for me. I wanted to know more about Diana--especially her past and her relationship with Tom. There are allusions to what shaped her, but I wanted the whole picture!
I am split between so many elements of this book: The characters, the narrative structure, the plot, etc. At times, I was completely enthralled, whereas during other times I was bored out of mind. I wanted more--I felt that the reader is only offered the surface of Diana and Lucy’s relationship. We dive in a little deeper towards the end, but it seems like in an effort to keep an element of surprise going throughout the novel, we lose what could have been a more complex reading of the relationship between these two women. I also thought that this book was trying to be too many things at once: Domestic drama, women’s fiction, psychological thriller all in one. Overall, while I loved some parts of The Mother-in-Law, it just didn’t work as a whole.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press.
February 20, 2022
Three a little disappointed, when I was expecting thriller I found regular fiction stars.
I think I designated my place in the minority team because so far too many readers enjoyed this book a lot.
It’s really good written and never gets you bored but as soon as I read the blurb, I visualized an evil mother-in-law and a big mystery about her death but when I start to read it, I realized there is no twist, mystery and any gripping, riveting story to captivate your mind. You may guess the killer so easily. The reasons beyond the killing didn’t make me satisfied, too.
There is no evil plan, mind games on this book. It’s plain, simple, in some ways easy to absorb.
There is only miscommunication, misunderstandings, generation gaps and different POVs of the characters which force them antagonize each other.
Lucy , daughter-in-law, was more connectable character because of her actions, way of thinking. She grew without a mother which pushed her more to earn her mother in law’s respect and her love. So I can understand her frustration and disappointment after she gets rejected and mistreated by her too many times.
At some parts, Diane, mother-in-law is interesting character. She became a tough, independent woman after being rejected by her own family. Her desire to help the other people, working for charities passionately may also be understandable. But her miscommunication and lack of empathy, the way of treating to her children are mostly inexcusable! I also didn’t get her husband’s deep devotion to her. There are not much clues about their love story. There are too many blanks about Tom and Ollie’s characterizations. The writer only concentrated to tell about two women’s story and missed to tell the other important characters of the book.
I think, because of genre complication or unanswered questions and too many blanks about motivations of characters, this book left me dissatisfied. And don’t forget to good to be true ending, too.
Well, maybe I should have tried other books of the writer. This one was not for me!
I think I designated my place in the minority team because so far too many readers enjoyed this book a lot.
It’s really good written and never gets you bored but as soon as I read the blurb, I visualized an evil mother-in-law and a big mystery about her death but when I start to read it, I realized there is no twist, mystery and any gripping, riveting story to captivate your mind. You may guess the killer so easily. The reasons beyond the killing didn’t make me satisfied, too.
There is no evil plan, mind games on this book. It’s plain, simple, in some ways easy to absorb.
There is only miscommunication, misunderstandings, generation gaps and different POVs of the characters which force them antagonize each other.
Lucy , daughter-in-law, was more connectable character because of her actions, way of thinking. She grew without a mother which pushed her more to earn her mother in law’s respect and her love. So I can understand her frustration and disappointment after she gets rejected and mistreated by her too many times.
At some parts, Diane, mother-in-law is interesting character. She became a tough, independent woman after being rejected by her own family. Her desire to help the other people, working for charities passionately may also be understandable. But her miscommunication and lack of empathy, the way of treating to her children are mostly inexcusable! I also didn’t get her husband’s deep devotion to her. There are not much clues about their love story. There are too many blanks about Tom and Ollie’s characterizations. The writer only concentrated to tell about two women’s story and missed to tell the other important characters of the book.
I think, because of genre complication or unanswered questions and too many blanks about motivations of characters, this book left me dissatisfied. And don’t forget to good to be true ending, too.
Well, maybe I should have tried other books of the writer. This one was not for me!
September 16, 2022
The book is mostly told with past and present chapters by Lucy, the daughter in law, and Diane, the mother in law. Since Diane is dead when the book starts, all her chapters are from the past, while Lucy's chapters are from both the past and present. Lucy is married to Ollie, whose sister Nettie, is married to Paul. There is also Tom, husband of Diane and father of Ollie and Nettie. On occasion, I would get a little confused about the timeline of things, with the past and present chapters mixed together.
Diane had a difficult life once she turned 20 and those difficulties helped to mold the life and decisions of Diane, as she aged. Diane became wealthy and because of the hardships she endured and the hard work she put into making a life for herself and her family, she feels that her children should work for what they want and not be given much financial help in their adult lives. Her husband Tom helps the adult kids, on the sly, although Diane is aware that he does it, even though she disapproves.
Lucy is the woman who marries Diane's son Ollie. Because Lucy's mom died when Lucy was 13, she craves the attention and love of a "mother-like" woman and hopes she can get those things from Ollie's mom. But Diane's heart is hardened by the past and she doesn't even know how to show love except with cutting remarks, a stiff lip, telling others to work hard for what they want...her version of tough love. Lucy and Diane butt heads at almost every turn, with Diane ignoring Lucy's requests when it comes to the grandchildren.
Even though I think we are supposed to see Diane as a sympathetic, misjudged character by reading her chapters, I found it hard to give her a pass on her continued callous behavior towards her son, daughter, and daughter in law. There are several instances where Diane fleetingly mentions a story or reason behind some of her behavior and acknowledges that telling others the reasons would help them to understand but she never follows through so that others can understand. After so many missed opportunities to explain herself, I stopped having any sympathy for her passive/aggressive excuse of "forgetting" to explain her actions.
I was more sympathetic towards Lucy who tries to be a good wife/mother/daughter in law but eventually just gives up on the daughter in law part. Her relationship with her mother in law becomes so bad that when Diane is found dead of a suspected suicide but then maybe murder, heads turn towards Lucy as someone who would wish Diane harm. The story is full of secrets and withheld information from various characters and there are really several people who might have wanted Diane dead.
Contrasting Diane's hard treatment of her children, she runs a charity for refugees, where she pours love and charity on strangers, helping them to feed their families, find jobs, find homes, and make their way in life. Diane touts that her family is the most important thing to her but she doesn't show that in most of the book. I also never understood how Diane and Tom came into their wealth and I wish the book would have gone into that more, rather than just saying it was because of "hard work".
Rated the book 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. It was an enjoyable read although I do wish Diane hadn't been so black and white when it came to her treatment of her children (black) and her treatment of strangers in need (white).
Published April 23, 2019
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this Advance Read Copy.
Diane had a difficult life once she turned 20 and those difficulties helped to mold the life and decisions of Diane, as she aged. Diane became wealthy and because of the hardships she endured and the hard work she put into making a life for herself and her family, she feels that her children should work for what they want and not be given much financial help in their adult lives. Her husband Tom helps the adult kids, on the sly, although Diane is aware that he does it, even though she disapproves.
Lucy is the woman who marries Diane's son Ollie. Because Lucy's mom died when Lucy was 13, she craves the attention and love of a "mother-like" woman and hopes she can get those things from Ollie's mom. But Diane's heart is hardened by the past and she doesn't even know how to show love except with cutting remarks, a stiff lip, telling others to work hard for what they want...her version of tough love. Lucy and Diane butt heads at almost every turn, with Diane ignoring Lucy's requests when it comes to the grandchildren.
Even though I think we are supposed to see Diane as a sympathetic, misjudged character by reading her chapters, I found it hard to give her a pass on her continued callous behavior towards her son, daughter, and daughter in law. There are several instances where Diane fleetingly mentions a story or reason behind some of her behavior and acknowledges that telling others the reasons would help them to understand but she never follows through so that others can understand. After so many missed opportunities to explain herself, I stopped having any sympathy for her passive/aggressive excuse of "forgetting" to explain her actions.
I was more sympathetic towards Lucy who tries to be a good wife/mother/daughter in law but eventually just gives up on the daughter in law part. Her relationship with her mother in law becomes so bad that when Diane is found dead of a suspected suicide but then maybe murder, heads turn towards Lucy as someone who would wish Diane harm. The story is full of secrets and withheld information from various characters and there are really several people who might have wanted Diane dead.
Contrasting Diane's hard treatment of her children, she runs a charity for refugees, where she pours love and charity on strangers, helping them to feed their families, find jobs, find homes, and make their way in life. Diane touts that her family is the most important thing to her but she doesn't show that in most of the book. I also never understood how Diane and Tom came into their wealth and I wish the book would have gone into that more, rather than just saying it was because of "hard work".
Rated the book 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. It was an enjoyable read although I do wish Diane hadn't been so black and white when it came to her treatment of her children (black) and her treatment of strangers in need (white).
Published April 23, 2019
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this Advance Read Copy.
December 28, 2018
1.5 stars
Let me be clear that I think an author can choose to write her characters any way she wants, and I can choose to read it or not. But this was an issue book with characters vs a book with characters who have issues. I prefer the latter. If the author is going to write an issue(s) book then I’m going to comment on what I disliked about her stance on those issues. It is not the characters so much as the fact the author seems to be pushing an agenda.
We are told from the start that Diana, the mother-in-law, is dead of an apparent suicide but the police have their suspicions that it was murder, not suicide. From the blurb: “She was a pillar of the community, an advocate for social justice who helped female refugees assimilate to their new country.” But she was not well-loved by her family and for good reason. I don't require my characters to be likable, but if they are unlikable they'd better have other redeeming qualities, be sympathetic, or be funny. Diana was none of these.
The author tried to generate sympathy for Diana and, while I sympathized with what happened to her in the past, it was no excuse for her behavior in the present. She was cold and mean-spirited, even to her own children and grandchildren. She had money, but found money distasteful and judged everyone accordingly. Diana was just a vehicle for the issues the author wanted to highlight: money is bad. Being poor is good and will make you happy.
Money in and of itself is neither good nor bad. It offers people choices, and can be used for good. But not to Diana. She was a stingy miser who refused to help her children, even when they were clearly hurting and in need. Plus she was hypercritical of everything they did, even to the point of openly criticizing her future daughter-in-law in public for spending too much money on her wedding dress.
Instead of making sure her own children would not suffer from being unloved as a child, as she was, she repeated the pattern. But she's only cold and unloving to her family. She had no problem showing love and concern for strangers or giving them a helping hand. They got her attention and her money, while her own family did not. Little wonder that her own grandchildren were unmoved by her death.
I also felt the author trivialized severe depression, even to the point of intimating that assisted suicide is a valid option, instead of ensuring the person received the psychiatric help they needed (btw, this is NOT a spoiler, there are a lot of characters, twists and turns, and red herrings).
There were dramatic personality turnarounds in characters that were absurd, and behavior that made no sense. Other characters, like her husband, were undeveloped. I, for one, needed to know why he married Diana in the first place.
This was definitely easy reading and the first 75% was interesting enough for me to continue. But the last 25% was ridiculous.
2 stars because I finished the book and did want to know what happened to Diana. I shouldn't have bothered. Thank you to my friend Marialyce for reading this book with me and listening to me vent.
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Let me be clear that I think an author can choose to write her characters any way she wants, and I can choose to read it or not. But this was an issue book with characters vs a book with characters who have issues. I prefer the latter. If the author is going to write an issue(s) book then I’m going to comment on what I disliked about her stance on those issues. It is not the characters so much as the fact the author seems to be pushing an agenda.
We are told from the start that Diana, the mother-in-law, is dead of an apparent suicide but the police have their suspicions that it was murder, not suicide. From the blurb: “She was a pillar of the community, an advocate for social justice who helped female refugees assimilate to their new country.” But she was not well-loved by her family and for good reason. I don't require my characters to be likable, but if they are unlikable they'd better have other redeeming qualities, be sympathetic, or be funny. Diana was none of these.
The author tried to generate sympathy for Diana and, while I sympathized with what happened to her in the past, it was no excuse for her behavior in the present. She was cold and mean-spirited, even to her own children and grandchildren. She had money, but found money distasteful and judged everyone accordingly. Diana was just a vehicle for the issues the author wanted to highlight: money is bad. Being poor is good and will make you happy.
Money in and of itself is neither good nor bad. It offers people choices, and can be used for good. But not to Diana. She was a stingy miser who refused to help her children, even when they were clearly hurting and in need. Plus she was hypercritical of everything they did, even to the point of openly criticizing her future daughter-in-law in public for spending too much money on her wedding dress.
Instead of making sure her own children would not suffer from being unloved as a child, as she was, she repeated the pattern. But she's only cold and unloving to her family. She had no problem showing love and concern for strangers or giving them a helping hand. They got her attention and her money, while her own family did not. Little wonder that her own grandchildren were unmoved by her death.
I also felt the author trivialized severe depression, even to the point of intimating that assisted suicide is a valid option, instead of ensuring the person received the psychiatric help they needed (btw, this is NOT a spoiler, there are a lot of characters, twists and turns, and red herrings).
There were dramatic personality turnarounds in characters that were absurd, and behavior that made no sense. Other characters, like her husband, were undeveloped. I, for one, needed to know why he married Diana in the first place.
This was definitely easy reading and the first 75% was interesting enough for me to continue. But the last 25% was ridiculous.
2 stars because I finished the book and did want to know what happened to Diana. I shouldn't have bothered. Thank you to my friend Marialyce for reading this book with me and listening to me vent.
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
April 17, 2019
Families - there is the one you are born into, the one you marry into and the one you choose.
When Lucy marries Ollie, she desperately wants to be accepted into his family, especially by his Mother Diana, as Lucy lost her mother at an early age. But from day one, Diana appears reserved and distant. The rest of Ollie's family embraces Lucy but Lucy feels that she just can't do anything right in Diana's eyes. Lucy is a lively woman who chooses to stay home with her children and is doing the best she can to be a good mother, wife and daughter in law.
Diana was basically disowned by her parents during her later teenage years for choices she made and was taken in by her Aunt. She eventually meets her husband Tom and her life changes for the better. With Tom, Diana raised two children: Ollie and Nettie. Diana often must play the bad cop in her family yet has a generous and giving nature with the refugees she helps.
I don't want to say any more about the plot and encourage fellow readers to go in knowing as little as you can about the plot. This book pleasantly surprised me. I have been a fan of Hepworth since reading her first book and this book lived up to my expectations of her writing. I loved how she gave us the inner thoughts of each of the two main women - Lucy and Diana. I also appreciated how she showed each's intentions and how often intentions can be misread, or someone might have difficulty fully articulating his/her motives/thoughts/emotions to another person effectively, thus causing others to make inaccurate assumptions about that individual. It's what you say, how you say it and sometimes the things you don't get the chance to say, choose not to say or don't say. Relationships are tricky things. In fact, relationships can be messy. Worry about overstepping, worry about not being liked, worry about not teaching your children the skills to live, worry about being over bearing, worry about not being involved...ah...all the worries.
Diana and Lucy are not the only characters with relationship issues in this book. There are quite a few things going on in the relationships of others in this book as well. These subplots with are a part of the larger plot are just as important and show issues which can occur in marriages, with co-workers and with people we interact with in our personal lives.
I found this book to be a fast read which did not disappoint. I enjoyed how the Mother in law/daughter in law complicated relationship unfolded. How each tired with the other in her own way. It was refreshing to read both of their POV sections to see how they interpreted situations and often misinterpret each other intentions.
But this book is also not all about relationships, it is also about what happened to Diana. There is a mystery here. Was her death a suicide? Was she murdered? Who knows? One must read to find out!
I found this book to be thought provoking and captivating. It was a fast read which did not disappoint this reader.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Sally Hepworth and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
When Lucy marries Ollie, she desperately wants to be accepted into his family, especially by his Mother Diana, as Lucy lost her mother at an early age. But from day one, Diana appears reserved and distant. The rest of Ollie's family embraces Lucy but Lucy feels that she just can't do anything right in Diana's eyes. Lucy is a lively woman who chooses to stay home with her children and is doing the best she can to be a good mother, wife and daughter in law.
Diana was basically disowned by her parents during her later teenage years for choices she made and was taken in by her Aunt. She eventually meets her husband Tom and her life changes for the better. With Tom, Diana raised two children: Ollie and Nettie. Diana often must play the bad cop in her family yet has a generous and giving nature with the refugees she helps.
I don't want to say any more about the plot and encourage fellow readers to go in knowing as little as you can about the plot. This book pleasantly surprised me. I have been a fan of Hepworth since reading her first book and this book lived up to my expectations of her writing. I loved how she gave us the inner thoughts of each of the two main women - Lucy and Diana. I also appreciated how she showed each's intentions and how often intentions can be misread, or someone might have difficulty fully articulating his/her motives/thoughts/emotions to another person effectively, thus causing others to make inaccurate assumptions about that individual. It's what you say, how you say it and sometimes the things you don't get the chance to say, choose not to say or don't say. Relationships are tricky things. In fact, relationships can be messy. Worry about overstepping, worry about not being liked, worry about not teaching your children the skills to live, worry about being over bearing, worry about not being involved...ah...all the worries.
Diana and Lucy are not the only characters with relationship issues in this book. There are quite a few things going on in the relationships of others in this book as well. These subplots with are a part of the larger plot are just as important and show issues which can occur in marriages, with co-workers and with people we interact with in our personal lives.
I found this book to be a fast read which did not disappoint. I enjoyed how the Mother in law/daughter in law complicated relationship unfolded. How each tired with the other in her own way. It was refreshing to read both of their POV sections to see how they interpreted situations and often misinterpret each other intentions.
But this book is also not all about relationships, it is also about what happened to Diana. There is a mystery here. Was her death a suicide? Was she murdered? Who knows? One must read to find out!
I found this book to be thought provoking and captivating. It was a fast read which did not disappoint this reader.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Sally Hepworth and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read
April 23, 2019Dear Reader,
A lot of people have asked me about my inspiration for The Mother In Law.
Let’s just say that it is not a coincidence that my British in-laws were staying with me when I came up with the idea for this book. In fact, they were with us following the birth of my third child. But it’s not what you think! I get along great with my mother-in-law. It was my father-in-law, of whom I am very fond, who inspired this book. He’s a talker, you see. God love him, he doesn’t stop talking from the moment he gets up to the moment he goes to sleep. Doesn’t matter if I’m on the phone, wrangling children, preparing a meal—he’s talking. He doesn’t require much in response from me, just the occasional head nod. Still, after a while, it can get tiring.
One day, for a bit of peace and quiet, I decided to take the baby for a walk. She was a bit unsettled, and I thought it would do us both some good to get out of the house. What do you think happened?
Yep. My father-in-law decided to join us.
He decided it could be a good opportunity for us to work on my next book idea. Us! Given the fact that I had just given birth, I didn’t have an idea for my next book, and my father-in-law thought this was something we could remedy together.
You know that saying "everyone has an idea for a book, but not many have any idea how to write one"? Peter has thousands of ideas for books and no idea how to write one.
I think he was on idea 9,672 when I finally had a brilliant idea. I turned to Peter and announced that I was going to write a book about a woman who murders her father-in-law!
Surprisingly, my father-in-law was delighted by this idea, and proceeded to talk to me about it for the rest of his stay. He decided that he would need to accompany me on my book tour and that if it ever became a movie, he’d be the one to walk me down the red carpet. It was about this time that I made a slight adjustment to the premise.
A mother-in-law who is murdered.
My father-in-law is still not speaking to me (which is an utter relief).
I hope you enjoy it.
Sally xox
A lot of people have asked me about my inspiration for The Mother In Law.
Let’s just say that it is not a coincidence that my British in-laws were staying with me when I came up with the idea for this book. In fact, they were with us following the birth of my third child. But it’s not what you think! I get along great with my mother-in-law. It was my father-in-law, of whom I am very fond, who inspired this book. He’s a talker, you see. God love him, he doesn’t stop talking from the moment he gets up to the moment he goes to sleep. Doesn’t matter if I’m on the phone, wrangling children, preparing a meal—he’s talking. He doesn’t require much in response from me, just the occasional head nod. Still, after a while, it can get tiring.
One day, for a bit of peace and quiet, I decided to take the baby for a walk. She was a bit unsettled, and I thought it would do us both some good to get out of the house. What do you think happened?
Yep. My father-in-law decided to join us.
He decided it could be a good opportunity for us to work on my next book idea. Us! Given the fact that I had just given birth, I didn’t have an idea for my next book, and my father-in-law thought this was something we could remedy together.
You know that saying "everyone has an idea for a book, but not many have any idea how to write one"? Peter has thousands of ideas for books and no idea how to write one.
I think he was on idea 9,672 when I finally had a brilliant idea. I turned to Peter and announced that I was going to write a book about a woman who murders her father-in-law!
Surprisingly, my father-in-law was delighted by this idea, and proceeded to talk to me about it for the rest of his stay. He decided that he would need to accompany me on my book tour and that if it ever became a movie, he’d be the one to walk me down the red carpet. It was about this time that I made a slight adjustment to the premise.
A mother-in-law who is murdered.
My father-in-law is still not speaking to me (which is an utter relief).
I hope you enjoy it.
Sally xox
April 23, 2019
I am just going to put my thoughts down and I am not going to get into the story but you can read the blurb for that.
This is not a thriller. It is a contemporary fiction and a slow burning mystery. I want thriller fans to know this because I really struggled with This book. I am the wrong audience for it. I am not a big fan of contemporary fiction or a slow burning mystery. I did like it close to the ending but I didn't love it. I did love the premise of the book and I was intrigued enough to find out what happened to Diana. This one seemed to drag a lot. I think of it was shorter, it would be a lot better. It just had too much random imformation that was not needed.
In the last 70% of the novel it did a complete u-turn and I really enjoyed it, but it was a little too late for that. My connection with the characters grew and I was happy that I finally grasped the connection to the characters. I was shocked when I found out what happened to Diana. I never guessed what happened to her and found this to be an unpredictable read. I also thought that it was pausible.
I think the author did great with the characterization of Diana. Close to the end I felt like I really understood her. She suffered through depression. My favorite characters were Diana and Lucy and I loved the bonding that they shared close to the end. Lucy really needed this. My most unlikable character was Lettie. Diana was wealthy and she asked for an enormous amount of money and I can understand why Diana said, no because I thought she was unstable and couldn't handle the responsibility. I thought she was a selfish spoiled brat. Diana did help out her family when they needed it. She did help out Ollie.
She just wanted her children to be able to stand on their two feet and work hard. I do think she could of done more for them though. I also thought it was very well written.
I just love that bookcover.
This was a Traveling Sister read and it really made a good discussion because we all felt differently about the characters and things that happened in the book.
I would strongly recommend this book to contemporary fiction and slow burning mystery fans. I think that audience will love this book.
I want to thank Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and the author for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is not a thriller. It is a contemporary fiction and a slow burning mystery. I want thriller fans to know this because I really struggled with This book. I am the wrong audience for it. I am not a big fan of contemporary fiction or a slow burning mystery. I did like it close to the ending but I didn't love it. I did love the premise of the book and I was intrigued enough to find out what happened to Diana. This one seemed to drag a lot. I think of it was shorter, it would be a lot better. It just had too much random imformation that was not needed.
In the last 70% of the novel it did a complete u-turn and I really enjoyed it, but it was a little too late for that. My connection with the characters grew and I was happy that I finally grasped the connection to the characters. I was shocked when I found out what happened to Diana. I never guessed what happened to her and found this to be an unpredictable read. I also thought that it was pausible.
I think the author did great with the characterization of Diana. Close to the end I felt like I really understood her. She suffered through depression. My favorite characters were Diana and Lucy and I loved the bonding that they shared close to the end. Lucy really needed this. My most unlikable character was Lettie. Diana was wealthy and she asked for an enormous amount of money and I can understand why Diana said, no because I thought she was unstable and couldn't handle the responsibility. I thought she was a selfish spoiled brat. Diana did help out her family when they needed it. She did help out Ollie.
She just wanted her children to be able to stand on their two feet and work hard. I do think she could of done more for them though. I also thought it was very well written.
I just love that bookcover.
This was a Traveling Sister read and it really made a good discussion because we all felt differently about the characters and things that happened in the book.
I would strongly recommend this book to contemporary fiction and slow burning mystery fans. I think that audience will love this book.
I want to thank Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and the author for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2019
4 This was NOT what I was expecting BUT I LOVED it stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Diana was a complicated woman. Her outward appearance depicts a wealthy, strong and even altruistic woman. Yet we instantly come to see that her family had a vastly different view of her and it wasn't all positive. Thus, when the story opens and we find Diana dead we are easily enveloped by the questions - was her death a case of suicide or murder?
The story is told from multiple view points as well as alternating timelines, filling in the blanks of Diana's life and leading us to the circumstances surrounding her death. I was expecting more of a thriller but the story ended up having more of a domestic mystery vibe. It definitely worked within the plot and allowed us to get a feel for the family dynamics between the characters.
There has been quite a lot of commentary about Diana and her actions in other reviews. I personally felt that Hepworth did an amazing job of explaining why she was who she was and ultimately acted the way she did. She was a very guarded person, rarely letting all her walls down. Tom, her husband, was by far one of the only people that truly knew her. They were definitely a yin and yang relationship, each providing the other with what they needed most. Their relationship, as well as the parts told from her point-of-view helped me warm to her character and have empathy for her. Hepworth has talent for developing multi-layered characters. Things are not as cut and dry as they seem. Her writing evoked many different emotions in me as I read through the story and came to know and understand each character.
So much of what takes place between the family ultimately involves miscommunication and misunderstanding. You can't help but feel for where they ended up and wonder how different things could have been, if they had just taken the time to honestly communicate with each other and connect about the things that were important to them versus suffering through them alone.
Overall, this one drew me in immediately and kept me engrossed throughout. It wasn't so much about the whodunnit as the complicated family dynamics that kept me turning the pages.
Thank you to Sally Hepworth, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Diana was a complicated woman. Her outward appearance depicts a wealthy, strong and even altruistic woman. Yet we instantly come to see that her family had a vastly different view of her and it wasn't all positive. Thus, when the story opens and we find Diana dead we are easily enveloped by the questions - was her death a case of suicide or murder?
The story is told from multiple view points as well as alternating timelines, filling in the blanks of Diana's life and leading us to the circumstances surrounding her death. I was expecting more of a thriller but the story ended up having more of a domestic mystery vibe. It definitely worked within the plot and allowed us to get a feel for the family dynamics between the characters.
There has been quite a lot of commentary about Diana and her actions in other reviews. I personally felt that Hepworth did an amazing job of explaining why she was who she was and ultimately acted the way she did. She was a very guarded person, rarely letting all her walls down. Tom, her husband, was by far one of the only people that truly knew her. They were definitely a yin and yang relationship, each providing the other with what they needed most. Their relationship, as well as the parts told from her point-of-view helped me warm to her character and have empathy for her. Hepworth has talent for developing multi-layered characters. Things are not as cut and dry as they seem. Her writing evoked many different emotions in me as I read through the story and came to know and understand each character.
So much of what takes place between the family ultimately involves miscommunication and misunderstanding. You can't help but feel for where they ended up and wonder how different things could have been, if they had just taken the time to honestly communicate with each other and connect about the things that were important to them versus suffering through them alone.
Overall, this one drew me in immediately and kept me engrossed throughout. It wasn't so much about the whodunnit as the complicated family dynamics that kept me turning the pages.
Thank you to Sally Hepworth, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 23, 2019
I try not to give out 5 stars too often but this one was special and deserving in terms of how much I enjoyed it and took away from it. I went into this thinking it would just be a typical mother in law story but there was so much more to it than that. It explored not just the mother and daughter in law relationship but also the dynamics between child/parent, husband/wife, and siblings. It was one of those reading experiences in which you seriously start reflecting on your own life and how you deal with family members.
Ever since they first met Lucy has had a polite, but distant relationship with her mother-in-law, Diana. It's like no matter what she does, Diana just won't warm up to her. The story jumps back and forth between Diana's perspective of things that happened in the past and the present day in which Lucy and her family have just learned Diana is dead. Her death will have lasting consequences for the entire family.
What I thought the author did brilliantly was the dual perspectives as it prevented Diana from being this one-dimensional character. There were so many layers to Diana and Lucy's relationship and it was interesting to see what they each thought about certain events. There were moments in the story that were so relatable, like when you come across the exact opposite of how you intended or when you regret leaving something unsaid. And while relationships were certainly an important part of the book, the mystery of what happened to Diana was intriguing as well. Overall, such a fantastic book and I can't wait to check out Sally Hepworth's other novels as she definitely has a knack for getting you to feel for her characters on an emotional level.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for sending me an advance copy! I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
* Edited on 4/23/19 This was my first Sally Hepworth novel and after reading this advance copy, I was excited to check out her other books. I am now caught up and while I liked her other novels, this one remains my favorite.
Ever since they first met Lucy has had a polite, but distant relationship with her mother-in-law, Diana. It's like no matter what she does, Diana just won't warm up to her. The story jumps back and forth between Diana's perspective of things that happened in the past and the present day in which Lucy and her family have just learned Diana is dead. Her death will have lasting consequences for the entire family.
What I thought the author did brilliantly was the dual perspectives as it prevented Diana from being this one-dimensional character. There were so many layers to Diana and Lucy's relationship and it was interesting to see what they each thought about certain events. There were moments in the story that were so relatable, like when you come across the exact opposite of how you intended or when you regret leaving something unsaid. And while relationships were certainly an important part of the book, the mystery of what happened to Diana was intriguing as well. Overall, such a fantastic book and I can't wait to check out Sally Hepworth's other novels as she definitely has a knack for getting you to feel for her characters on an emotional level.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for sending me an advance copy! I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
* Edited on 4/23/19 This was my first Sally Hepworth novel and after reading this advance copy, I was excited to check out her other books. I am now caught up and while I liked her other novels, this one remains my favorite.
January 14, 2019
Intensely Readable and Immensely Dishy!
What is it about in-laws that makes them so abhorred? Is it their constant meddling? Perhaps their subtle, but persistent disapproval of every little thing. For Lucy, she just wants her Mother-in-law, Diana, to love her. Accept her. But that is never going to happen. At least not as long as Diana walks the earth . . .
For originality, this one deserves five stars. In addition, this was Hepworth's first attempt at the thriller genre, and I think she nailed it. I've always loved her work, but I was a little apprehensive about whether or not she could pull off a suspense novel. I'm here to tell you... she rocked it!
I don't want to share too much about the plot or characters, because I feel you should know as little as possible going into this one. There is a huge twist, that was very well-executed. Not only was this a supreme psychological thriller, but it was a meditation on the dysfunction between families. I always love me some good drama!
There is a storm brewing in the East coast and in my opinion, you should put on something cozy, and get this book. It's a delight to behold!
Thank you to St. Martins press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
What is it about in-laws that makes them so abhorred? Is it their constant meddling? Perhaps their subtle, but persistent disapproval of every little thing. For Lucy, she just wants her Mother-in-law, Diana, to love her. Accept her. But that is never going to happen. At least not as long as Diana walks the earth . . .
For originality, this one deserves five stars. In addition, this was Hepworth's first attempt at the thriller genre, and I think she nailed it. I've always loved her work, but I was a little apprehensive about whether or not she could pull off a suspense novel. I'm here to tell you... she rocked it!
I don't want to share too much about the plot or characters, because I feel you should know as little as possible going into this one. There is a huge twist, that was very well-executed. Not only was this a supreme psychological thriller, but it was a meditation on the dysfunction between families. I always love me some good drama!
There is a storm brewing in the East coast and in my opinion, you should put on something cozy, and get this book. It's a delight to behold!
Thank you to St. Martins press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
February 14, 2023
I feel like I’m about to say something scandalous, but I gotta be honest: I didn’t love this.
It’s by no means a bad book. It’s Sally Hepworth for goodness sake. I don’t think she knows how to write a bad book! I think I just didn’t particularly connect to the characters or story this time around. It may also be that I listened on audio and it’s one of those times reading it would’ve been better. Most of my friends raved about it, so I’m assuming it’s a “me” thing.
When Diana Goodwin dies unexpectedly and the police come knocking on her son Ollie and daughter-in-law Lucy’s door asking questions, what was originally thought to be suicide turns into a homicide investigation - especially after it’s determined that Ollie and his sister Nettie were disinherited.
Looking at events prior to Diana’s death, the chapters are narrated alternatively by Lucy and Diana. This isn’t your typical ‘MIL from hell’ story, though. Diana was aloof and emotionally cool, but underneath it all, she seems to have wanted what was best for everyone. Lucy just wanted a mother figure after losing her own at a young age, but she couldn’t seem to get that from Diana.
Did someone murder Diana? The evidence for suicide isn’t adding up, and there’s plenty of motive for others, including her own children, to want her dead. So what’s the truth?
There was a lot of potential to expand the suspect pool or make this a more suspenseful, intriguing mystery, but in the end, everything felt just a little … anticlimactic. The reveal wasn’t particularly surprising, and the characters were all fairly unlikable, so there wasn’t much of an emotional response to any of it.
I still adore Sally Hepworth’s writing, and there are loads of 4 and 5-star reviews that prove that sometimes it’s just the right book for the wrong reader. I can’t wait to dig into her newest book The Soulmate soon. I have a good feeling I’ll be the right reader for that one!
★★★ ½
It’s by no means a bad book. It’s Sally Hepworth for goodness sake. I don’t think she knows how to write a bad book! I think I just didn’t particularly connect to the characters or story this time around. It may also be that I listened on audio and it’s one of those times reading it would’ve been better. Most of my friends raved about it, so I’m assuming it’s a “me” thing.
When Diana Goodwin dies unexpectedly and the police come knocking on her son Ollie and daughter-in-law Lucy’s door asking questions, what was originally thought to be suicide turns into a homicide investigation - especially after it’s determined that Ollie and his sister Nettie were disinherited.
Looking at events prior to Diana’s death, the chapters are narrated alternatively by Lucy and Diana. This isn’t your typical ‘MIL from hell’ story, though. Diana was aloof and emotionally cool, but underneath it all, she seems to have wanted what was best for everyone. Lucy just wanted a mother figure after losing her own at a young age, but she couldn’t seem to get that from Diana.
Did someone murder Diana? The evidence for suicide isn’t adding up, and there’s plenty of motive for others, including her own children, to want her dead. So what’s the truth?
There was a lot of potential to expand the suspect pool or make this a more suspenseful, intriguing mystery, but in the end, everything felt just a little … anticlimactic. The reveal wasn’t particularly surprising, and the characters were all fairly unlikable, so there wasn’t much of an emotional response to any of it.
I still adore Sally Hepworth’s writing, and there are loads of 4 and 5-star reviews that prove that sometimes it’s just the right book for the wrong reader. I can’t wait to dig into her newest book The Soulmate soon. I have a good feeling I’ll be the right reader for that one!
★★★ ½
March 6, 2021
The Mother-in-law by Sally Hepworth is a 2019 St. Martin’s Press publication.
Deeply Absorbing Suspense!
The mother-in-law relationship is sometimes awkward, even under the best of circumstances, so naturally, Lucy wanted to make an impression on Diana, but Diana is aloof and very hard to get to know, often leaving Lucy feeling nervous and judged unfairly.
Diana has money, but she only shares it liberally with her charities- not so much with her family. After Diana dies from a suspected suicide- Lucy begins to view Diana’s actions and her life from a new perspective. The problem, though, is that Diana’s ‘suicide’ might not be as open and shut and it first appears- casting suspicions on her children…. And Lucy…
The story is narrated from the first- person perspectives of Lucy and Diana- alternating between the past and the present, which gives one the full view of Lucy and Diana’s relationship leading up to Diana’s death, and how each misunderstood the other over the years. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that several people in Diana’s orbit, including those closest to her have strong motives for murder.
Was Diana murdered? If so…. Who did it?
This is my second book by this author and so far, I really like her style. I love the Australian setting, for starters, and while one could categorize this novel as a ‘domestic thriller’, I thought it had much more depth to it than other books that fall into this genre.
I was drawn into the story immediately and did not want to put it down!! Seriously, the suspense was killing me, but I also felt the characterizations were really what made this book stand out. Not only was it tense and twisty, it was also thought provoking and emotional.
Overall, another fantastic effort by Hepworth! Looking forward to reading ‘The Good Sister’!!
Deeply Absorbing Suspense!
The mother-in-law relationship is sometimes awkward, even under the best of circumstances, so naturally, Lucy wanted to make an impression on Diana, but Diana is aloof and very hard to get to know, often leaving Lucy feeling nervous and judged unfairly.
Diana has money, but she only shares it liberally with her charities- not so much with her family. After Diana dies from a suspected suicide- Lucy begins to view Diana’s actions and her life from a new perspective. The problem, though, is that Diana’s ‘suicide’ might not be as open and shut and it first appears- casting suspicions on her children…. And Lucy…
The story is narrated from the first- person perspectives of Lucy and Diana- alternating between the past and the present, which gives one the full view of Lucy and Diana’s relationship leading up to Diana’s death, and how each misunderstood the other over the years. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that several people in Diana’s orbit, including those closest to her have strong motives for murder.
Was Diana murdered? If so…. Who did it?
This is my second book by this author and so far, I really like her style. I love the Australian setting, for starters, and while one could categorize this novel as a ‘domestic thriller’, I thought it had much more depth to it than other books that fall into this genre.
I was drawn into the story immediately and did not want to put it down!! Seriously, the suspense was killing me, but I also felt the characterizations were really what made this book stand out. Not only was it tense and twisty, it was also thought provoking and emotional.
Overall, another fantastic effort by Hepworth! Looking forward to reading ‘The Good Sister’!!
May 10, 2019
Once again I find myself in the minority regarding reviews for this book, it is well loved by many.
Truthfully I was hoping for a really good mystery but this is really more contemporary women’s fiction. Knowing that the main character is dead at the beginning definitely takes away some of the suspense in the novel.
Here’s what we know:
Lucy is the new daughter in law who has married Ollie, son of Diane and Tom Goodwin. Lucy had no idea that the family was wealthy until she entered their mansion of a home to meet them for the first time. I mean an indoor pool testifies to a fair amount of wealth.
Diane, as mother in law, is not what any young woman would want. I know because my mother in law and I never saw eye to eye on anything for 40 years (may she RIP). She was as cold to me when I met my husband as Diane was to Lucy and it never improved. There are sometimes just very different personalities that will never agree. However Diane does seem to go out of her way to make Lucy feel uncomfortable, incompetent and not worthy of their son. More about her later.
Their other child is a daughter, Nettie, who is married to Patrick, they have no children.. As the book continues, Ollie and Lucy have three children and Nettie is trying everything to get pregnant. Finally they have run out of money for infertility treatments after 3 years of trying. Nettie approaches Diane for a loan, she turns her down flat. Diane’s reasoning is that Nettie should find another way to earn the money or turn her life towards a different goal at this point. This does sound pretty heartless considering the loan wasn’t for something frivolous.
Later we find out why Diane has some of these feelings, she had quite a tough life as a young woman but I won’t reveal any spoilers here. It does help to explain some of her reasoning.
The book was page turning but I didn’t think that the characters were that well developed with the exception of Diane, we know almost nothing about Tom, their life together as a couple. He seems to be pretty much the indulgent husband who adores Diane and goes along with most of her wishes. He has been known, however, to slip the children money for things which Diane knows nothing about.
There are other sides to Diane. She treats refugees, particularly pregnant women, with extreme kindness and goes above and beyond the usual to see that they get care, clothes and food for the little ones, helping them find jobs, etc. She spends a lot of time in her charitable work. I felt with the title being “The Mother In Law” that there would be something more titillating, or out of the box behavior from Diane. Things in the book are really nothing that I would call exciting or mesmerizing.
When the murder occurs, at about 75% into the book, the action does pick up and I found myself unable to set it down until the end. We all want to know who did it, right?
Then there is another family tragedy and that adds to the tension. We are then shown what is going on 10 years later and it’s all just a little too perfect for me to believe. Not impossible, just not probable.
All in all it was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it as a light entertaining read.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley.
Truthfully I was hoping for a really good mystery but this is really more contemporary women’s fiction. Knowing that the main character is dead at the beginning definitely takes away some of the suspense in the novel.
Here’s what we know:
Lucy is the new daughter in law who has married Ollie, son of Diane and Tom Goodwin. Lucy had no idea that the family was wealthy until she entered their mansion of a home to meet them for the first time. I mean an indoor pool testifies to a fair amount of wealth.
Diane, as mother in law, is not what any young woman would want. I know because my mother in law and I never saw eye to eye on anything for 40 years (may she RIP). She was as cold to me when I met my husband as Diane was to Lucy and it never improved. There are sometimes just very different personalities that will never agree. However Diane does seem to go out of her way to make Lucy feel uncomfortable, incompetent and not worthy of their son. More about her later.
Their other child is a daughter, Nettie, who is married to Patrick, they have no children.. As the book continues, Ollie and Lucy have three children and Nettie is trying everything to get pregnant. Finally they have run out of money for infertility treatments after 3 years of trying. Nettie approaches Diane for a loan, she turns her down flat. Diane’s reasoning is that Nettie should find another way to earn the money or turn her life towards a different goal at this point. This does sound pretty heartless considering the loan wasn’t for something frivolous.
Later we find out why Diane has some of these feelings, she had quite a tough life as a young woman but I won’t reveal any spoilers here. It does help to explain some of her reasoning.
The book was page turning but I didn’t think that the characters were that well developed with the exception of Diane, we know almost nothing about Tom, their life together as a couple. He seems to be pretty much the indulgent husband who adores Diane and goes along with most of her wishes. He has been known, however, to slip the children money for things which Diane knows nothing about.
There are other sides to Diane. She treats refugees, particularly pregnant women, with extreme kindness and goes above and beyond the usual to see that they get care, clothes and food for the little ones, helping them find jobs, etc. She spends a lot of time in her charitable work. I felt with the title being “The Mother In Law” that there would be something more titillating, or out of the box behavior from Diane. Things in the book are really nothing that I would call exciting or mesmerizing.
When the murder occurs, at about 75% into the book, the action does pick up and I found myself unable to set it down until the end. We all want to know who did it, right?
Then there is another family tragedy and that adds to the tension. We are then shown what is going on 10 years later and it’s all just a little too perfect for me to believe. Not impossible, just not probable.
All in all it was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it as a light entertaining read.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley.
April 23, 2019
5 stars! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
(Updated with full review for pub day today!)
The opening scene is where a family, specifically a son and his wife, are being told that their mother (mother-in-law) was found dead. The story proceeds in dual narration. We hear from Lucy, the son’s wife/the daughter-in-law, and Diana, the mother-in-law who was found deceased.
Through that narration, we quickly learn that Lucy and Diana have a flawed and challenging relationship as many mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law do. Lucy feels like she does not measure up to Diana’s expectations of who she should be.
Diana is a big deal. She’s well-loved in the community, helps refugees with adjusting to Australia, and is a blissfully married wife to the charming, Tom. For five years, Lucy and Diana have not been able to find common ground.
And in the present, Diana has passed away with a suicide note next to her body. In the note, she wrote she had cancer, but the autopsy shows no cancer. Who could have hurt Diana and why?
The Mother-in-Law becomes more complex with the turn of every page, just as Lucy and Diana’s relationship continues to intensify. Where you might expect a dramatic story to have an evil, mustache-twirling character, you don’t find one here…At least initially. What you will find is two extraordinarily complex women trying desperately to connect but continuing to miss signals. The dynamic is refreshing for this type of storyline and utterly relatable if you ever been in the same shoes trying arduously to meet someone in the middle.
The Mother-in-Law is emotional, original, well-written, thought-provoking, dramatic, intense, and in the end, a surprising and shocking read that left me with much to think about.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
—————
I deliberated on this one for a couple days, and as much as I thought about it when I wasn’t reading it, I knew it had to be a five-r! This book explores the complex mother-in-law/daughter-in-law (and mother/daughter) relationship in a way I’ve not seen before. It was also explosively dramatic and well-written. Full review to come much closer to pub date in April! I continue to love Sally Hepworth!
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the copy. All opinions are my own.
(Updated with full review for pub day today!)
The opening scene is where a family, specifically a son and his wife, are being told that their mother (mother-in-law) was found dead. The story proceeds in dual narration. We hear from Lucy, the son’s wife/the daughter-in-law, and Diana, the mother-in-law who was found deceased.
Through that narration, we quickly learn that Lucy and Diana have a flawed and challenging relationship as many mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law do. Lucy feels like she does not measure up to Diana’s expectations of who she should be.
Diana is a big deal. She’s well-loved in the community, helps refugees with adjusting to Australia, and is a blissfully married wife to the charming, Tom. For five years, Lucy and Diana have not been able to find common ground.
And in the present, Diana has passed away with a suicide note next to her body. In the note, she wrote she had cancer, but the autopsy shows no cancer. Who could have hurt Diana and why?
The Mother-in-Law becomes more complex with the turn of every page, just as Lucy and Diana’s relationship continues to intensify. Where you might expect a dramatic story to have an evil, mustache-twirling character, you don’t find one here…At least initially. What you will find is two extraordinarily complex women trying desperately to connect but continuing to miss signals. The dynamic is refreshing for this type of storyline and utterly relatable if you ever been in the same shoes trying arduously to meet someone in the middle.
The Mother-in-Law is emotional, original, well-written, thought-provoking, dramatic, intense, and in the end, a surprising and shocking read that left me with much to think about.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
—————
I deliberated on this one for a couple days, and as much as I thought about it when I wasn’t reading it, I knew it had to be a five-r! This book explores the complex mother-in-law/daughter-in-law (and mother/daughter) relationship in a way I’ve not seen before. It was also explosively dramatic and well-written. Full review to come much closer to pub date in April! I continue to love Sally Hepworth!
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the copy. All opinions are my own.
October 26, 2018
When Jordan at St. Martin’s Publishing presented this book to me to read and review- I definitely ‘paused’’, thinking this could be an interesting topic, yet I definitely had reservations of concern. I didn’t want to create problems - add more to my already - sometimes challenging relationship with my mother in-law.
However - this book is so far off from anything in my life - I didn’t relate to any of it.
NOTES OF INTEREST.....about in-laws’ ......It’s a hot topic in the news today. Review of this book will follow at the end.
In the news recently- a psychologists stated the rise in couple’s coming to therapy for the sole purpose to deal with issues with their mother-in-law. Seems universally the most delicate relationships is when the son gets married. When a daughter gets married, they remain close with their mother regardless of how much the mother gets along with her husband.
The mother in-law and daughter in-law dynamic is the most fraught of in-law relationships. Son’s are made to feel guilty. Daughter-in-law‘s are made to feel not good enough - judged - and intruded on by lack of boundaries.
In laws can either help or hurt marriages.... being much more trickier and stressful for a daughter in-law than a son in-law.
But this book by Sally Hepworth, is not an advice manual.
But they ‘do’ have these type of books. A high rating such book is written by Susan Abel Lieberman Ph.D, called:
“The Mother-in Law’s Manual: Proven Strategies for Creating and Maintaining Healthy Relationships With Married Children”. There are excellent reviews on Amazon. The book is not only about being a better mother-in-law - NOT A SELF HELP MANUAL about ways to create a better relationship with their own adult children.
The reviews are inspiring. In most cases readers reported it was helpful, informative, and entertaining.
SO.....NOW THAT WE GOT THAT OUT OF THE WAY...THIS IS NOT THAT TYPE OF BOOK......let me share my thoughts about THIS BOOK. ( no spoilers)
Similar to “Big Little Lies”, by Liane Moriarty, this is not a mystery. We know the mother-in-law dies at the very beginning.
The setting also takes place in Milbourne, Australia....just as “Big Little Lies” did.
The title of this novel is very incidental IMO.. There are many side plots - many characters - ( very easy to remember all of them including every child) - with the mother-in-law’s story not standing out that much more than any other character - as everyone has a story. There are lies - secrets - judgements- resentments - told in present and past time alternating narration between Diana and Lucy.
Diana is the mother-in-law. Tom the father in-law.
Ollie is their son. Lucy is the new daughter in-law in the family. Ollie & Lucy have 3 young kids: Archie, Harriet, and Edie.
Nettie is Diane and Tom’s daughter - Patrick is their son- in-law. Nettie & Patrick have no kids.
A few more characters - (friends of Diana)...Cynthia and a few other women.
Diana runs a charity business - she brings maternity clothes and prams to pregnant women. One woman in particular she has gotten close with: Gheala and her two young children Aarash and his little sister Aziza. Gheala’s husband is from Kabul.
We meet some of Ollie’s friends too ( and business partner).
I promised no spoilers - ( easy to do). Truthfully I found the writing - the dialogue to be very ordinary. I was bored for at least the the first 60% of this book. It’s readable- but lacking creative conflicts between characters. The writing is very safe...very few juicy risks. My thinking is if you’re going to be bold enough to put a title on your book called “The Mother In Law”......( and bless the author’s heart for sharing that she has a wonderful relationship with her mother-in-Law at the start)- I think there needs to be some out-of-the-box outrageousness.
With so many stories about each character - I felt the book lacked a strong focus. There was wasted chatter of each child: from watching TV, eating snacks, tossing balls, climbing trees, playing with Tupperware lids, etc.
Add lots of talk about judging and evaluating the meals or housekeeping - and descriptions of basic clothing that people wear: leggings, a long cardigan, trainers, AND PAGES of grammatical typing errors on the Kindle download that I had —
guessing this will get corrected -domestic family life wasn’t particularly clever- or complicated or heartwarming or hilarious or earth shattering exciting.
It was ‘readable’.
3 Stars. Read other reviews. Its woman’s fiction. Sally Hepworth fans who enjoy easy reading quick page turning books should love this novel. I needed something meatier to wrap my brain around.
Thank You Netgalley, St. Martin’s Fiction, and Sally Hepworth
However - this book is so far off from anything in my life - I didn’t relate to any of it.
NOTES OF INTEREST.....about in-laws’ ......It’s a hot topic in the news today. Review of this book will follow at the end.
In the news recently- a psychologists stated the rise in couple’s coming to therapy for the sole purpose to deal with issues with their mother-in-law. Seems universally the most delicate relationships is when the son gets married. When a daughter gets married, they remain close with their mother regardless of how much the mother gets along with her husband.
The mother in-law and daughter in-law dynamic is the most fraught of in-law relationships. Son’s are made to feel guilty. Daughter-in-law‘s are made to feel not good enough - judged - and intruded on by lack of boundaries.
In laws can either help or hurt marriages.... being much more trickier and stressful for a daughter in-law than a son in-law.
But this book by Sally Hepworth, is not an advice manual.
But they ‘do’ have these type of books. A high rating such book is written by Susan Abel Lieberman Ph.D, called:
“The Mother-in Law’s Manual: Proven Strategies for Creating and Maintaining Healthy Relationships With Married Children”. There are excellent reviews on Amazon. The book is not only about being a better mother-in-law - NOT A SELF HELP MANUAL about ways to create a better relationship with their own adult children.
The reviews are inspiring. In most cases readers reported it was helpful, informative, and entertaining.
SO.....NOW THAT WE GOT THAT OUT OF THE WAY...THIS IS NOT THAT TYPE OF BOOK......let me share my thoughts about THIS BOOK. ( no spoilers)
Similar to “Big Little Lies”, by Liane Moriarty, this is not a mystery. We know the mother-in-law dies at the very beginning.
The setting also takes place in Milbourne, Australia....just as “Big Little Lies” did.
The title of this novel is very incidental IMO.. There are many side plots - many characters - ( very easy to remember all of them including every child) - with the mother-in-law’s story not standing out that much more than any other character - as everyone has a story. There are lies - secrets - judgements- resentments - told in present and past time alternating narration between Diana and Lucy.
Diana is the mother-in-law. Tom the father in-law.
Ollie is their son. Lucy is the new daughter in-law in the family. Ollie & Lucy have 3 young kids: Archie, Harriet, and Edie.
Nettie is Diane and Tom’s daughter - Patrick is their son- in-law. Nettie & Patrick have no kids.
A few more characters - (friends of Diana)...Cynthia and a few other women.
Diana runs a charity business - she brings maternity clothes and prams to pregnant women. One woman in particular she has gotten close with: Gheala and her two young children Aarash and his little sister Aziza. Gheala’s husband is from Kabul.
We meet some of Ollie’s friends too ( and business partner).
I promised no spoilers - ( easy to do). Truthfully I found the writing - the dialogue to be very ordinary. I was bored for at least the the first 60% of this book. It’s readable- but lacking creative conflicts between characters. The writing is very safe...very few juicy risks. My thinking is if you’re going to be bold enough to put a title on your book called “The Mother In Law”......( and bless the author’s heart for sharing that she has a wonderful relationship with her mother-in-Law at the start)- I think there needs to be some out-of-the-box outrageousness.
With so many stories about each character - I felt the book lacked a strong focus. There was wasted chatter of each child: from watching TV, eating snacks, tossing balls, climbing trees, playing with Tupperware lids, etc.
Add lots of talk about judging and evaluating the meals or housekeeping - and descriptions of basic clothing that people wear: leggings, a long cardigan, trainers, AND PAGES of grammatical typing errors on the Kindle download that I had —
guessing this will get corrected -domestic family life wasn’t particularly clever- or complicated or heartwarming or hilarious or earth shattering exciting.
It was ‘readable’.
3 Stars. Read other reviews. Its woman’s fiction. Sally Hepworth fans who enjoy easy reading quick page turning books should love this novel. I needed something meatier to wrap my brain around.
Thank You Netgalley, St. Martin’s Fiction, and Sally Hepworth
October 7, 2018
Nothing makes us so lonely as our secrets.
Standing at the door of those secrets is the sentinel of our choosing who presents the face of the moment. We don the mask we find appropriate and carry it forward while protecting the truism of self.
Sally Hepworth presents an absolutely dynamic story that weaves its way into a family unit that has locked down their deceptions with bolt and key. She is a wizard at revealing just enough backstory on her varied characters to more than wet your whistle. Chapters shift from the perspective of Lucy, the daughter-in-law to Diana, the mother-in-law. Hepworth adds the element of present and past events as well. It's a boiling pot of family situations that gets stirred about......better keep your oven mitts on for this one.
Our story is set in Melbourne, Australia. Lucy and Ollie seem to be a young couple battling the challenges of everyday life with three young children. Add to the mix: Ollie's parents, Tom and Diana, and a sister Nettie and her husband, Patrick. We have a spicy stew of the In-Laws and the Out-Laws building up and tearing down typical interactions from year to year......until typical is no longer typical.
Lucy and Diana's relationship is in the spotlight. Each is in a defensive mode and each presents themselves as territorial. When lines begin to cross, tension is elevated to high degrees. As readers, we experience the layers being peeled back and there's some rotten fruit on both sides of these encounters. That's why this novel would be an excellent read for book clubs. There's definitely a love/hate tango going on here.
Then Hepworth throws in a lightning bolt. Diana is found dead on the floor of her home. A suicide note has been kept in a drawer of her desk....found much later. The police are hesitant to call this a full-out suicide quite yet. Family members are called in for questioning. And now the feathers begin to fly. Who is responsible for all this? Diana, herself, or a family member, or one of the individuals that Diana has been helping through her charities?
The Mother-in-Law is a honey of a read. If you enjoy very creative storylines, then this one has your name all over it. A very, very satisfying read.
I received a copy of this book through Giveaways on Goodreads. My thanks to St. Martin's Press and to the talented Sally Hepworth for the opportunity.
Standing at the door of those secrets is the sentinel of our choosing who presents the face of the moment. We don the mask we find appropriate and carry it forward while protecting the truism of self.
Sally Hepworth presents an absolutely dynamic story that weaves its way into a family unit that has locked down their deceptions with bolt and key. She is a wizard at revealing just enough backstory on her varied characters to more than wet your whistle. Chapters shift from the perspective of Lucy, the daughter-in-law to Diana, the mother-in-law. Hepworth adds the element of present and past events as well. It's a boiling pot of family situations that gets stirred about......better keep your oven mitts on for this one.
Our story is set in Melbourne, Australia. Lucy and Ollie seem to be a young couple battling the challenges of everyday life with three young children. Add to the mix: Ollie's parents, Tom and Diana, and a sister Nettie and her husband, Patrick. We have a spicy stew of the In-Laws and the Out-Laws building up and tearing down typical interactions from year to year......until typical is no longer typical.
Lucy and Diana's relationship is in the spotlight. Each is in a defensive mode and each presents themselves as territorial. When lines begin to cross, tension is elevated to high degrees. As readers, we experience the layers being peeled back and there's some rotten fruit on both sides of these encounters. That's why this novel would be an excellent read for book clubs. There's definitely a love/hate tango going on here.
Then Hepworth throws in a lightning bolt. Diana is found dead on the floor of her home. A suicide note has been kept in a drawer of her desk....found much later. The police are hesitant to call this a full-out suicide quite yet. Family members are called in for questioning. And now the feathers begin to fly. Who is responsible for all this? Diana, herself, or a family member, or one of the individuals that Diana has been helping through her charities?
The Mother-in-Law is a honey of a read. If you enjoy very creative storylines, then this one has your name all over it. A very, very satisfying read.
I received a copy of this book through Giveaways on Goodreads. My thanks to St. Martin's Press and to the talented Sally Hepworth for the opportunity.
August 3, 2020
Heart-wrenching mystery
I'm glad I read some reviews before starting this one. I knew it wouldn't be a thriller, but a family drama with some twists. Knowing that, I appreciated every bit of it! And I don't give 5-star ratings easily, believe me...
I'm a really sensitive person and reading about all these complicated relationships broke my heart. Yeah, it was so good. This novel makes you think about a lot of things in your own life!
Read it asap if you like slow-paced and character driven mysteries.
I'm glad I read some reviews before starting this one. I knew it wouldn't be a thriller, but a family drama with some twists. Knowing that, I appreciated every bit of it! And I don't give 5-star ratings easily, believe me...
I'm a really sensitive person and reading about all these complicated relationships broke my heart. Yeah, it was so good. This novel makes you think about a lot of things in your own life!
Read it asap if you like slow-paced and character driven mysteries.
April 24, 2019
So lately there seems to be many "mother-in-law" books that have overtaken the psychological thriller genre. Some more successful than others. However, Sally Hepworth does something different here. Most definitely it wasn't what I was expecting. This is NOT a psychological thriller but there is a mystery to solve.
Lucie and Ollie meet and fall in love. Ollie decides it's time for Lucie to meet his parents and Lucie wants nothing more than to impress them. Having lost her own mother at a young age she is eager to have a mother-in-law to turn to for advice and friendship. Once she meets Diana she finds out that their relationship is going to be anything but friendly when she receives Diana's frosty, at best, reception. Lucie is at a loss as to how to win this woman over.
Fast forward 5 years and the unthinkable happens. Diana has been found dead by apparent suicide but was it really suicide? You'll have to read it to find out.
I enjoyed the heck out of this book and had trouble putting it down. It was just so compulsively readable. Why this book differs from those other mother-in-law books is that both of these women are likable people and only want whats best for those they love. I especially adored Diana. This book was a perfect example of miscommunication between people. That sometimes the things we don't say actually say more than we think. A reminder as to why we should tell the people we love how we feel about them more often. Let people know that you appreciate them. I'm going to try to do that more in my own life because, let's face it, we are only here a brief time and we really do need to make the best of it.
"I worked hard for everything I ever cared about. And nothing that I have ever cared about cost a single cent."
That quote says it all. 💖
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Lucie and Ollie meet and fall in love. Ollie decides it's time for Lucie to meet his parents and Lucie wants nothing more than to impress them. Having lost her own mother at a young age she is eager to have a mother-in-law to turn to for advice and friendship. Once she meets Diana she finds out that their relationship is going to be anything but friendly when she receives Diana's frosty, at best, reception. Lucie is at a loss as to how to win this woman over.
Fast forward 5 years and the unthinkable happens. Diana has been found dead by apparent suicide but was it really suicide? You'll have to read it to find out.
I enjoyed the heck out of this book and had trouble putting it down. It was just so compulsively readable. Why this book differs from those other mother-in-law books is that both of these women are likable people and only want whats best for those they love. I especially adored Diana. This book was a perfect example of miscommunication between people. That sometimes the things we don't say actually say more than we think. A reminder as to why we should tell the people we love how we feel about them more often. Let people know that you appreciate them. I'm going to try to do that more in my own life because, let's face it, we are only here a brief time and we really do need to make the best of it.
"I worked hard for everything I ever cared about. And nothing that I have ever cared about cost a single cent."
That quote says it all. 💖
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 28, 2019
This book has perfect timing. With the whole college scandal going on, the whole concept of what parents owe their children or how much help they should provide is especially apt.
Losing her mother to cancer when she’s a teenager, Lucy envisions becoming bosom buddies with her mother-in-law. That’s before she meets Diana, who has a frosty nature and is not the buddy sort.
I know many will see Diana as the cold, uncaring MIL, but I actually sympathized with her. Yes, some of the things she did were wrong, but overall, I appreciated her. She’s just a very practical woman, especially when it comes to money.
Hepworth does a wonderful job of pointing out how different families have different standards regarding money. In fact, not just families, but spouses. As Tom says, “it’s about support...whether to give it or not.” But It's also a question of whether you’re doing your kids a favor by giving them everything on a silver platter. I’ve seen way too many trust fund babies grow up without a lick of ambition.
I also loved how she points out, again and again, the way we let moments get away from us. The chance to say thank you...i love you...let me help.
This isn’t a fast paced book. Hepworth takes her time setting up the scenario. I liked this approach and found it a relaxing break after so many roller coaster ride mysteries. The book alternates between the past and the present, between Diana and Lucy. And I also have to give Hepworth credit for a thought provoking book. I did a lot of highlighting with this book, something I hardly ever do with a mystery.
And i must have changed my mind ten times over the course of the book as to the who in the whodunit. As it was, I never did figure it out before the big reveal.
My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
April 24, 2019
I received a widget for this all the way back in October from St. Martin's Press. Otherwise, I would have never requested an arc of this book. I'm not sure what prompted me to accept the widget, because I've kind of dreaded the thought of reading this book, and here am finally cracking the pages a week prior to its publication. The irony of this is that I really LOVED this book! Maybe it was PTSD from my experience with my own mother-in-law that inspired a feeling of dread. However, quite unexpectedly, I felt a visceral connection with... and empathy...for the mother-in-law Diana. I also admired the character of the daughter-in-law, Lucy. In fact, if you melded together the personalities of Diana and Lucy, it became a composite of my mother, who I feel extremely honored and blessed to have had. For that reason, I understood Diana and was often touched by her musings throughout the book.
When Diana married Tom, she married into money. Even so, Diana is content with simplicity, but indulges Tom who wants the big audacious house. The bottom line is, Diana loves her husband just for being him, and he's the only one who can crack that rather hard and remote facade to her softness below the surface. Diana has a challenging early history that informed the person she is today. She is passionate about her charity where she helps immigrants with baby clothes and trying to help them find jobs with the skills and certifications they've earned in their birth country. To her own children and their spouses, Diana is a hard nut to crack when they ask her for money. The usual response is a measured lecture about trying to make it on their own, and how they will become stronger people because of it. Then the kids try to get it from their father, who will sometimes comply. Diana and Tom's eldest child Ollie married Lucy. Lucy lost her own mother when she was thirteen. Therefore, when she marries Ollie Lucy's hoping Diana can become a mother-like presence in her life. However, Lucy soon learns it will be a dicey relationship to navigate. Like the incident on Lucy's wedding day when Diana produces a celtic knot necklace signifying strength. She gives it to Lucy for "something borrowed", but makes it abundantly clear that something borrowed means she wants it back after the wedding.
Lucy is a stay at home mom to her three kids, a very dedicated wife to Ollie, and a wonderful daughter-in-law to Diana. Even though Diana can be a bit harsh and cold at times, Lucy always does the right thing and her loving nature shines through. Theirs was actually a beautiful relationship to watch grow. Diana also has a daughter Nettie who struggles with infertility issues and has a cheating husband. But, the fact that Diana is found dead at the beginning of the book is the predicate that this story builds upon. The chapters are narrated in dueling fashion by Diana and Lucy, weaving the past and present to the story's conclusion. There is a question as to whether Diana committed suicide, or if it was murder. This was a wonderfully written book about a sometimes difficult but strong, sensible, hard-working woman and her family, with a murder mystery lurking in the background.
*As I alluded to at the beginning of my review, the character of Diana reminded me of my own mother, who my brother and I revere and feel lucky to have had for a mother. She lived through the Great Depression and admired FDR for helping our country get through it. At one point when her father was very sick and couldn't work (there was no disability payment system back then), she handed in her weekly paycheck to carry the family, and felt proud to do it. These experiences probably informed her values of personal responsibility which she imparted to my brother and I. We never got an allowance and had to get jobs as soon as we were old enough. When I was sixteen she arranged a part-time job via a neighbor in a local 5 and dime store. When I got my first paycheck it was $42. She told me that I had to give her $10 board out of it. I also had to buy my own clothes and anything else I wanted from then on. When I got married I had to save for the wedding myself along with my future husband, and still had to pay my regular board, which by that time had increased to $200 a month (I had now graduated college and was working a full-time job). I remember being totally surprised upon hearing my supervisor at work talk about buying her daughter's wedding dress. I never even knew that that was a common practice, as I purchased everything myself. My brother got a paper route as a youth when he wanted to purchase an electric guitar and amplifier. It's not like today with my own son who only works a summer job so he can be fully invested in his school work. Once I worked that part-time job in the variety store, I worked it continuously for 7 years throughout high school and college until I got my full-time job. I've always felt confident in the quality of my work and the satisfaction of making it on my own. I look around and see what I have and my husband and I know that we did it together without help. We also travelled the lonely and expensive road of infertility problems and no one in the family helped us financially, even though there were several that had the money to do so. So, I can relate to a lot of issues in this book, and it may seem like tough love, but I do agree a lot with Diana because I know from experience that self-sufficiency builds a stronger person.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press who provided an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
When Diana married Tom, she married into money. Even so, Diana is content with simplicity, but indulges Tom who wants the big audacious house. The bottom line is, Diana loves her husband just for being him, and he's the only one who can crack that rather hard and remote facade to her softness below the surface. Diana has a challenging early history that informed the person she is today. She is passionate about her charity where she helps immigrants with baby clothes and trying to help them find jobs with the skills and certifications they've earned in their birth country. To her own children and their spouses, Diana is a hard nut to crack when they ask her for money. The usual response is a measured lecture about trying to make it on their own, and how they will become stronger people because of it. Then the kids try to get it from their father, who will sometimes comply. Diana and Tom's eldest child Ollie married Lucy. Lucy lost her own mother when she was thirteen. Therefore, when she marries Ollie Lucy's hoping Diana can become a mother-like presence in her life. However, Lucy soon learns it will be a dicey relationship to navigate. Like the incident on Lucy's wedding day when Diana produces a celtic knot necklace signifying strength. She gives it to Lucy for "something borrowed", but makes it abundantly clear that something borrowed means she wants it back after the wedding.
Lucy is a stay at home mom to her three kids, a very dedicated wife to Ollie, and a wonderful daughter-in-law to Diana. Even though Diana can be a bit harsh and cold at times, Lucy always does the right thing and her loving nature shines through. Theirs was actually a beautiful relationship to watch grow. Diana also has a daughter Nettie who struggles with infertility issues and has a cheating husband. But, the fact that Diana is found dead at the beginning of the book is the predicate that this story builds upon. The chapters are narrated in dueling fashion by Diana and Lucy, weaving the past and present to the story's conclusion. There is a question as to whether Diana committed suicide, or if it was murder. This was a wonderfully written book about a sometimes difficult but strong, sensible, hard-working woman and her family, with a murder mystery lurking in the background.
*As I alluded to at the beginning of my review, the character of Diana reminded me of my own mother, who my brother and I revere and feel lucky to have had for a mother. She lived through the Great Depression and admired FDR for helping our country get through it. At one point when her father was very sick and couldn't work (there was no disability payment system back then), she handed in her weekly paycheck to carry the family, and felt proud to do it. These experiences probably informed her values of personal responsibility which she imparted to my brother and I. We never got an allowance and had to get jobs as soon as we were old enough. When I was sixteen she arranged a part-time job via a neighbor in a local 5 and dime store. When I got my first paycheck it was $42. She told me that I had to give her $10 board out of it. I also had to buy my own clothes and anything else I wanted from then on. When I got married I had to save for the wedding myself along with my future husband, and still had to pay my regular board, which by that time had increased to $200 a month (I had now graduated college and was working a full-time job). I remember being totally surprised upon hearing my supervisor at work talk about buying her daughter's wedding dress. I never even knew that that was a common practice, as I purchased everything myself. My brother got a paper route as a youth when he wanted to purchase an electric guitar and amplifier. It's not like today with my own son who only works a summer job so he can be fully invested in his school work. Once I worked that part-time job in the variety store, I worked it continuously for 7 years throughout high school and college until I got my full-time job. I've always felt confident in the quality of my work and the satisfaction of making it on my own. I look around and see what I have and my husband and I know that we did it together without help. We also travelled the lonely and expensive road of infertility problems and no one in the family helped us financially, even though there were several that had the money to do so. So, I can relate to a lot of issues in this book, and it may seem like tough love, but I do agree a lot with Diana because I know from experience that self-sufficiency builds a stronger person.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press who provided an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
July 11, 2019
3.5 Stars— After reading several glowing reviews, I decided to give Sally Hepworth’s “The Mother-in-Law” a try. This has been a year that I have focused on reading authors I’ve never read before, and this book looked interesting. After finishing the book I can definitely say that Ms. Hepworth is a very talented writer. She does a good job in character development and paints very realistic relationships between her characters. The book details the complicated relationship between Lucy and her very difficult mother- in -law, Diana. Hepworth peels back Diana’s layers and does an excellent job of explaining why Diana acts in such a closed and hardened manner. The book was slow at times for my taste, but I thrive on mystery and action (and this slow building, character study did not capture my attention like several books I enjoyed more over the last few months.) To me this book was a lot like looking at your neighbors’ vacation photos: you start off enjoying them and being entertained, but after too many of them— they get repetitive and boring. This book details the problems between Diana and her children and spouses to the point where the issues that arise become predictable and boring. In fact you begin to believe you can predict what is coming next ( aka I correctly guessed the ending).
January 3, 2019
Relationships can be complicated, especially when it involves the "Mother-in-law".
A twisted family situation and a hidden motive lead to murder. The MIL is Diana and my opinion of her changed so many times throughout the book and she certainly surprised me in the end.
The first chapter was intense and sets the stage for a compelling read. We get the POV of Diana and Lucy (the daughter in law). Their relationship is complicated and Lucy has many insecurities when it comes to Diana. The author explores the roles of all the family members into the mix that led to much pondering on my part. Who is at fault here?
A shocker was exposed as the mystery unraveled and all the pieces fell in place. It had me to retracing the previous events to see more clearly how it had led to utter devastation and murder. I had almost all the characters as suspects at some point.
I enjoyed this twisted family drama and never saw the last piece of the puzzle until it was added. I really enjoyed the beginning of the book and all the suspense it created, the rest of the story was more about the family dynamics. You should keep in mind that this is a women'ts fiction with some suspense, but more family drama. I did enjoy it and I thought it was a thought provoking story,
~ A solid read with a side of family drama and a whodunit element.
Thanks to the NG and the publisher for my copy to read/review
Out April 23,2019
A twisted family situation and a hidden motive lead to murder. The MIL is Diana and my opinion of her changed so many times throughout the book and she certainly surprised me in the end.
The first chapter was intense and sets the stage for a compelling read. We get the POV of Diana and Lucy (the daughter in law). Their relationship is complicated and Lucy has many insecurities when it comes to Diana. The author explores the roles of all the family members into the mix that led to much pondering on my part. Who is at fault here?
A shocker was exposed as the mystery unraveled and all the pieces fell in place. It had me to retracing the previous events to see more clearly how it had led to utter devastation and murder. I had almost all the characters as suspects at some point.
I enjoyed this twisted family drama and never saw the last piece of the puzzle until it was added. I really enjoyed the beginning of the book and all the suspense it created, the rest of the story was more about the family dynamics. You should keep in mind that this is a women'ts fiction with some suspense, but more family drama. I did enjoy it and I thought it was a thought provoking story,
~ A solid read with a side of family drama and a whodunit element.
Thanks to the NG and the publisher for my copy to read/review
Out April 23,2019
February 27, 2020
5 stars for the audiobook version: I INHALED it. I went into this book knowing nothing and that really worked for me.
In the ten years she’s known her, Lucy has never felt her mother-in-law Diana approved of her—an especial disappointment because she’d hoped Diana would finally become the mother she’d never had. Yet she’s distraught when the police show up to announce that Diana has died by apparent suicide—and even more so when they reveal that the evidence points to possible murder.
As we get to know the family members, we discover each of them had a motive for the crime, and stood to benefit from her death. The story is told alternately from Lucy and Diana’s points of view, so we get to see how badly they misunderstand each other through the years. But is it bad enough to lead to murder?
A wholly satisfying domestic mystery, perfect for Liane Moriarty fans, that kept me guessing till the end.
In the ten years she’s known her, Lucy has never felt her mother-in-law Diana approved of her—an especial disappointment because she’d hoped Diana would finally become the mother she’d never had. Yet she’s distraught when the police show up to announce that Diana has died by apparent suicide—and even more so when they reveal that the evidence points to possible murder.
As we get to know the family members, we discover each of them had a motive for the crime, and stood to benefit from her death. The story is told alternately from Lucy and Diana’s points of view, so we get to see how badly they misunderstand each other through the years. But is it bad enough to lead to murder?
A wholly satisfying domestic mystery, perfect for Liane Moriarty fans, that kept me guessing till the end.
August 4, 2024
3.5* rounded up. I liked this! I probably wouldn’t call it a thriller but it was good.
January 24, 2020
Gripping and haunting — there’s a poetry to the story told in The Mother-in Law that is so captivating and suspenseful, you will think about it for days after reading it.
Over 24-hours after finishing Sally Hepworth’s The Mother-In-Law, there are still so many nuances I’m left turning over in my mind and unpacking. This is a thought-provoking novel of domestic suspense. I hate to compare it to other authors, though there are a few I see, because Hepworth to me has a truly unique voice and a story that needs to be told.
What this book made me think about the most are the things we don’t say that sometimes can have the biggest impact of all.
Over 24-hours after finishing Sally Hepworth’s The Mother-In-Law, there are still so many nuances I’m left turning over in my mind and unpacking. This is a thought-provoking novel of domestic suspense. I hate to compare it to other authors, though there are a few I see, because Hepworth to me has a truly unique voice and a story that needs to be told.
What this book made me think about the most are the things we don’t say that sometimes can have the biggest impact of all.
January 5, 2024
This is a thriller. I have to say I found the first part of this book very boring, but the last half and the ending was so good. I almost DNF this book, but I am glad I did not. I really did not seeing that ending coming, and all I can say about the ending is WOW. The book gets better as you read because you are learning more and more about each of the characters.
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