The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives - by Elizabeth Arnott (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A remarkable trio whose lives have been cracked wide open by their husbands' crimes unite to catch a serial killer in this dazzlingly captivating novel.

Beverley, Elsie, and Margot are not your average housewives. They are all wives of convicted killers. During the sun-drenched summer of 1966, the three women form an unlikely friendship after the discoveries of their husbands' brutal crimes. With their exes--some of California's most infamous murderers--dead or behind bars, they are attempting to forge a new future for themselves.

Headstrong Beverley tries compulsively to maintain control of everything around her, all while raising two children. Bookish Elsie fights to make a name for herself in the newsroom, working among men who sneer at her career goals. Glamorous Margot prefers partying to homemaking and devotes all her energy to upholding the appearance that everything is fine--anything to quell the shame from her husband's deceit.

They know people look at them and think only one thing: How could they not have known what their husbands were doing? How much are they to blame? And yet when a string of local killings hits the news, the three women--underestimated, overlooked, shrewd--decide to get to work. After all, who better to catch a killer than those who have shared their lives and homes with one?

At once a riveting portrayal of shattered trust and a story of gripping suspense, The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives is a testament to the intricacies of women's lives and how the deep bonds of female friendship can empower, uplift, and lead us to endure.

Review Quotes

"Mad Men meets Zodiac: The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives is a sultry period thriller with a big, hopeful heart. Elizabeth Arnott combines the sweltering glamour of 1960s California with a page-tearing serial killer mystery. But this is also a beautiful, warm book, which captures the nuances of female friendship, the exhaustion of day-to-day misogyny, and the shame of betrayal."-New York Times bestselling author Abigail Dean

"The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives transported me to 1960s California and introduced me to three incredible female characters. Bev, Margo and Elsie felt as complex and flawed as living, breathing women. Beautifully written, with twists that had me compulsively turning the pages. As if Taylor Jenkins Reid wrote a crime novel."-New York Times bestselling author Emilia Hart

About the Author

Elizabeth Arnott is an award-winning writer and journalist and has written critically acclaimed historical fiction as Lizzie Pook. Her work--covering everything from true crime to Arctic exploration--has featured in publications including The Sunday Times, National Geographic, The New York Times Book Review, and The Guardian. She lives with her husband and their young daughter in London, where she spends far too much time drinking iced coffee and watching serial killer shows.