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The Wives of Hawthorne Lane
In this twisty tale of domestic suspense, four neighbors become the prime suspects in a murder investigation that reveals the sinister underside of their picture-perfect community.
Hawthorne Lane is the perfect place to live. Its tree-lined street and stately homes are the envy of the town. Every Halloween the residents of Hawthorne Lane come together to host their famous Fall Festival. But this year, someone won’t survive the night.
As a murder investigation ensues, it quickly becomes clear there’s more going on behind closed doors on Hawthorne Lane than meets the eye. And four women, each with secrets worth killing for, find themselves at the center of it all.
There’s Georgina, the perfectionist and reigning Queen Bee, who pays a high price for her elevated status. There’s Audrey, the bold and beautiful neighbor with the high-flying corporate career, but whose marriage is on the rocks. There’s Libby, the working mother who is struggling to come to terms with her recent divorce while parenting her teenage son. And finally, Hannah—the newcomer with a mysterious past that’s returning with a vengeance.
As the clock ticks down to Halloween, their lives will cross in the most unexpected ways. And soon only one question remains: Who will pay the ultimate price for the lies they all tried so hard to bury?
Hawthorne Lane is the perfect place to live. Its tree-lined street and stately homes are the envy of the town. Every Halloween the residents of Hawthorne Lane come together to host their famous Fall Festival. But this year, someone won’t survive the night.
As a murder investigation ensues, it quickly becomes clear there’s more going on behind closed doors on Hawthorne Lane than meets the eye. And four women, each with secrets worth killing for, find themselves at the center of it all.
There’s Georgina, the perfectionist and reigning Queen Bee, who pays a high price for her elevated status. There’s Audrey, the bold and beautiful neighbor with the high-flying corporate career, but whose marriage is on the rocks. There’s Libby, the working mother who is struggling to come to terms with her recent divorce while parenting her teenage son. And finally, Hannah—the newcomer with a mysterious past that’s returning with a vengeance.
As the clock ticks down to Halloween, their lives will cross in the most unexpected ways. And soon only one question remains: Who will pay the ultimate price for the lies they all tried so hard to bury?
357 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2025
263 people are currently reading
22515 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie DeCarolis
4 books440 followersStephanie is the USA Today best selling author of The Wives of Hawthorne Lane, The Perfect Sister, The Guilty Husband, and Deadly Little Lies. A graduate of Binghamton University and St. John's University School of Law, she currently lives in New York with her husband, their two daughters, and their very spoiled cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews
September 12, 2025
Stephanie DeCarolis did not save that drama for her mama when she wrote The Wives of Hawthorne Lane! No, she poured all that drama into this gripping, shocking, and addictive book! I had a hard time putting The Wives of Hawthorne Lane lane so I didn't. When I sat down with this book, I was not intending to read the entire book in one day, but that is exactly what I did! If you are getting strong 'desperate housewives' vibes from this book, you are not alone. I got them as well and enjoyed every second of it.
Hawthorne Lane is the neighborhood everyone in town envies. Its streets are tree lined and full of beautiful homes. It's the neighborhood that everyone wants to live in but living her comes with a price! It's the neighborhood that gives out full sized candy bars at Halloween! It's also the one that hosts a Fall Festival. It's a time of fun, bobbing for apples, warm cider, and this year a time of reckoning.
Meet the women: Georgina is the queen B, Audrey is bold and beautiful, Libby is a working mom whose husband has left her, and Hannah is the newcomer with a secret. The men in their lives are in the book as well, but the women take center stage as the drama, suspense, and bad behavior unfolds.
I had a lot of fun reading this book. If you enjoy domestic suspense, this book is for you! I enjoyed the drama, the secrets, the cast of characters, the drama, and the twists. This book was entertaining and there was never a dull moment in this book! I loved the pacing, the reveals, and the shocking moments. Plus, the ending! So well done!
Wonderfully written, well thought out, addictive, dramatic and full of secrets!
Thank you to Ballantine | Bantam 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 more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Hawthorne Lane is the neighborhood everyone in town envies. Its streets are tree lined and full of beautiful homes. It's the neighborhood that everyone wants to live in but living her comes with a price! It's the neighborhood that gives out full sized candy bars at Halloween! It's also the one that hosts a Fall Festival. It's a time of fun, bobbing for apples, warm cider, and this year a time of reckoning.
Meet the women: Georgina is the queen B, Audrey is bold and beautiful, Libby is a working mom whose husband has left her, and Hannah is the newcomer with a secret. The men in their lives are in the book as well, but the women take center stage as the drama, suspense, and bad behavior unfolds.
I had a lot of fun reading this book. If you enjoy domestic suspense, this book is for you! I enjoyed the drama, the secrets, the cast of characters, the drama, and the twists. This book was entertaining and there was never a dull moment in this book! I loved the pacing, the reveals, and the shocking moments. Plus, the ending! So well done!
Wonderfully written, well thought out, addictive, dramatic and full of secrets!
Thank you to Ballantine | Bantam 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 more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
January 2, 2026
"In this twisty tale of domestic suspense, four neighbors become the prime suspects in a murder investigation that reveals the sinister underside of their picture-perfect community."
One of the most anticipated Fall thrillers is everything you want in a blended neighborhood, where the outside of the house is a lot more perfect than the inside behind closed doors.
Who are the wives of Hawthorne Lane?
Georgina, Audrey, Libby and Hannah....each one with a different background, current story and relationships. "Who will pay the ultimate price for the lies they all tried so hard to bury?"
Each year this perfect neighborhood celebrates Halloween with a fall festival, but this year will have its own spooky tale when someone is murdered and each one has something to hide, whether it is an affair, secret, domestic abuse or an unhappy marriage.
There is something for everyone in this suspenseful neighborhood thriller. I was excited to get this book and was not disappointed with all the twists and unbelievable reveals. Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine | Bantam for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review.
One of the most anticipated Fall thrillers is everything you want in a blended neighborhood, where the outside of the house is a lot more perfect than the inside behind closed doors.
Who are the wives of Hawthorne Lane?
Georgina, Audrey, Libby and Hannah....each one with a different background, current story and relationships. "Who will pay the ultimate price for the lies they all tried so hard to bury?"
Each year this perfect neighborhood celebrates Halloween with a fall festival, but this year will have its own spooky tale when someone is murdered and each one has something to hide, whether it is an affair, secret, domestic abuse or an unhappy marriage.
There is something for everyone in this suspenseful neighborhood thriller. I was excited to get this book and was not disappointed with all the twists and unbelievable reveals. Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine | Bantam for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 10, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Ballantine/Bantam for an ARC of this book!
The Wives of Hawthorne Lane make the Desperate Housewives look like a Bible Study group and Bravo's Real Housewives (from any location) look sane. Wow, just wow.. I have the WORST unintentional habit of letting the best books sit the longest on my shelf and this is a perfect example. If you've been on the hunt for your next "boredom buster" look no further. For you will surely find it in this book. Every single page of this you could apply the well known Michael Jackson eating popcorn GIF. I was yelling at the characters within these pages the way one may yell at the TV while their favorite soap opera was on. An absolute must read for any thriller/ suspense fan
Until next time,
Hades
🩵
The Wives of Hawthorne Lane make the Desperate Housewives look like a Bible Study group and Bravo's Real Housewives (from any location) look sane. Wow, just wow.. I have the WORST unintentional habit of letting the best books sit the longest on my shelf and this is a perfect example. If you've been on the hunt for your next "boredom buster" look no further. For you will surely find it in this book. Every single page of this you could apply the well known Michael Jackson eating popcorn GIF. I was yelling at the characters within these pages the way one may yell at the TV while their favorite soap opera was on. An absolute must read for any thriller/ suspense fan
Until next time,
Hades
🩵
September 22, 2025
This 1.5-star audiobook boasted a 10-star narration by January LaVoy.
WHY 1.5 STARS?
1) The book's title should have been "The Abused Wives of Hawthorne Lane".
The portrayal of emotional and physical abuse was intense and recurring.
No mention of domestic abuse was cited in the publisher's blurb, and I am not a fan of books showcasing domestic abuse.
2) Too many protagonists.
I prefer books with fewer MCs with stronger, well-developed characterizations.
3) One of the protagonists was a teen girl.
Not a fan of YA dialogue.
4) Too much focus was on inner monologues, emotional suffering, and internal conflict rather than the storyline's action/plot momentum
5) The book's plot elements, especially toward the end, required a HUGE suspension of disbelief. In addition, the book's secrets, coincidences, and timing of revelations felt contrived.
Overall, I felt like I was listening to recycled content, lacking fresh perspectives.
The "Author's Note" about the prevalence of domestic abuse that appeared at the end of the book was compelling and on point.
Perhaps my expectations were set too high. I enjoyed the author's "The Guilty Husband" debut, and a January LaVoy narration is always a treat.
1.5 stars, rounded up.
November 3, 2025
2 stars! ⭐️⭐️
Domestic Housewives fans might enjoy this one - maybe toss in some Big Little Lies vibes too - although I LOVED that book. This one, not so much.
The story centers around a group of neighborhood couples each with their own issues and secrets. The book starts off with a body found in the woods at the neighborhood annual Halloween event. From there, it starts out three months prior to that event and goes backwards leading up to the big reveal, which I guessed too quickly.
First off, let me say the female characters in this book are not nice by any means, but the male characters in this book are absolutely horrid! They are mean, they lie, cheat, physically and mentally abuse their wives - except for one of them. Second, I was expecting a juicy Halloween popcorn thriller, and instead I got a story that mainly focused on domestic violence. Graphic abuse in some scenes. This is not necessarily a trigger for me, but I don’t enjoy reading about it. I know it is for a lot of people so please keep that in mind if you decide to pick this one up. It wasn’t what I expected, which is why the rating is not higher.
It started off strong and had really good character development, but by the time I got towards the middle, I just wasn’t really invested anymore and skimmed to the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine/Bantam books for my advanced copy to read and review.
Domestic Housewives fans might enjoy this one - maybe toss in some Big Little Lies vibes too - although I LOVED that book. This one, not so much.
The story centers around a group of neighborhood couples each with their own issues and secrets. The book starts off with a body found in the woods at the neighborhood annual Halloween event. From there, it starts out three months prior to that event and goes backwards leading up to the big reveal, which I guessed too quickly.
First off, let me say the female characters in this book are not nice by any means, but the male characters in this book are absolutely horrid! They are mean, they lie, cheat, physically and mentally abuse their wives - except for one of them. Second, I was expecting a juicy Halloween popcorn thriller, and instead I got a story that mainly focused on domestic violence. Graphic abuse in some scenes. This is not necessarily a trigger for me, but I don’t enjoy reading about it. I know it is for a lot of people so please keep that in mind if you decide to pick this one up. It wasn’t what I expected, which is why the rating is not higher.
It started off strong and had really good character development, but by the time I got towards the middle, I just wasn’t really invested anymore and skimmed to the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine/Bantam books for my advanced copy to read and review.
September 1, 2025
This was a great, easy to read thriller. And, Omg, the little twists totally slap you in thr face. I totally thought I had it figured out, but I really didn't. Definitely an author I will check out again.
Thank you to Net Galley and Ballantine Books for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley and Ballantine Books for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 7, 2025
The Wives of Hawthorne Lane is a domestic suspense novel that dives into the secrets and drama of a seemingly perfect suburban neighborhood. The story follows four women—Georgina, Audrey, Libby, and Hannah—each hiding secrets that unravel when a murder disrupts their annual Halloween Fall Festival. The premise is intriguing, with a Desperate Housewives vibe that pulls you into the gossip and tension of Hawthorne Lane. The pacing is steady, and the twists keep you guessing, especially as the murder mystery unfolds. I did not see that ending coming at all! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release.
September 27, 2025
Some heavy duty domestic abuse is happening on Hawthorne Lane and as the clock ticks down to Halloween all the lies, deceit and violence is coming to a head and no one will escape unscathed. I thank Netgalley and Ballantine for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 24, 2025
4.5/5
If you’re hunting for one of the best fall thrillers for your spooky season TBR, look no further than The Wives of Hawthorne Lane by Stephanie DeCarolis. This domestic suspense novel follows four neighbors whose seemingly picture perfect lives unravel when a shocking murder rocks their street. But here’s the twist: the victim’s identity isn’t revealed until the very end, keeping readers turning pages late into the night.
While the first few chapters introduce a lot of moving pieces, once you get to know the cast, the suspense and secrets pull you in quickly. Between the atmospheric fall setting, the layers of neighborhood drama, and the sharp twists, this thriller feels tailor made for spooky season reading lists.
With a chilling mood, unpredictable reveals, and a satisfying ending, The Wives of Hawthorne Lane is a standout among domestic thrillers with neighborhood secrets. Fans of twisty dramas like Big Little Lies will devour it. Just note a trigger warning for abuse. Add this one to your autumn reading recommendations—it’s a page turner that proves why suburban secrets make the best thrillers.
If you’re hunting for one of the best fall thrillers for your spooky season TBR, look no further than The Wives of Hawthorne Lane by Stephanie DeCarolis. This domestic suspense novel follows four neighbors whose seemingly picture perfect lives unravel when a shocking murder rocks their street. But here’s the twist: the victim’s identity isn’t revealed until the very end, keeping readers turning pages late into the night.
While the first few chapters introduce a lot of moving pieces, once you get to know the cast, the suspense and secrets pull you in quickly. Between the atmospheric fall setting, the layers of neighborhood drama, and the sharp twists, this thriller feels tailor made for spooky season reading lists.
With a chilling mood, unpredictable reveals, and a satisfying ending, The Wives of Hawthorne Lane is a standout among domestic thrillers with neighborhood secrets. Fans of twisty dramas like Big Little Lies will devour it. Just note a trigger warning for abuse. Add this one to your autumn reading recommendations—it’s a page turner that proves why suburban secrets make the best thrillers.
November 11, 2025
Neighborhood domestic thrillers are my favorite type of thrillers.
Most of them are similar in that there’s an affair, a mysterious death, and at least one nosy neighbor trying to get into the middle of everything in order to spread gossip, spill the tea, however you want to describe it.
The first third of this book felt exactly like that.
I was thinking “this is great, I’ve found another fun book in my favorite genre”.
Then it took a sudden turn.
This is NOT a domestic thriller.
This is a book that mostly focuses on domestic violence.
That is not a bad thing at all; my issue with this book is the graphic and descriptive details involving the abuse.
I think that the author could have conveyed the message without including a lot specifics.
Parts of this book were a lot darker than I was expecting.
I think that there should be a trigger warning to anyone who may be sensitive to domestic violence or spousal abuse (both physical and psychological).
After reading the authors note at the end of the book, I think that I understand what her intentions were.
But in my humble opinion, it wasn’t executed very well.
The first third was fun, the last 10% was great, but most of the middle was disturbing.
Most of my reviews are 4 stars.
If I LOVE a book, it gets 5.
If I mostly enjoyed it, but it lacked in some areas, it gets 3.
I think that this is my first time ever giving 2.
Most of them are similar in that there’s an affair, a mysterious death, and at least one nosy neighbor trying to get into the middle of everything in order to spread gossip, spill the tea, however you want to describe it.
The first third of this book felt exactly like that.
I was thinking “this is great, I’ve found another fun book in my favorite genre”.
Then it took a sudden turn.
This is NOT a domestic thriller.
This is a book that mostly focuses on domestic violence.
That is not a bad thing at all; my issue with this book is the graphic and descriptive details involving the abuse.
I think that the author could have conveyed the message without including a lot specifics.
Parts of this book were a lot darker than I was expecting.
I think that there should be a trigger warning to anyone who may be sensitive to domestic violence or spousal abuse (both physical and psychological).
After reading the authors note at the end of the book, I think that I understand what her intentions were.
But in my humble opinion, it wasn’t executed very well.
The first third was fun, the last 10% was great, but most of the middle was disturbing.
Most of my reviews are 4 stars.
If I LOVE a book, it gets 5.
If I mostly enjoyed it, but it lacked in some areas, it gets 3.
I think that this is my first time ever giving 2.
July 6, 2025
ARC for review. To be published September 16, 2025.
DNF at 52%
Just, no. Five women with liars as husbands (mostly) and/or abusers and some of the women are liars themselves. It’s 2025, people. Can’t we do better? In a bad marriage? GTFO? I know that’s oversimplifying for some, but not for the ladies of Hawthorne Lane. Ugh.
DNF at 52%
Just, no. Five women with liars as husbands (mostly) and/or abusers and some of the women are liars themselves. It’s 2025, people. Can’t we do better? In a bad marriage? GTFO? I know that’s oversimplifying for some, but not for the ladies of Hawthorne Lane. Ugh.
August 22, 2025
This was an excellent thriller! You will especially love this book if you are a married woman, a mother, or just a fan of anything Real Housewife related.
This story follows the lives of four women who live on Hawthorne Lane. Each of the women are dealing with marital issues, children, and secrets. On the outside some of their lives look perfect but unfortunately just like in real life that is not the case. On Halloween someone is murdered so the entire book you are trying to figure out who died and who did it. The story flashes back so that you get the full background on the women as you try and figure out what could have happened. Trying to figure out who was murdered and by who was interesting but I really cared more about all the drama behind the scenes.
What makes this book excellent are the characters and of course the twists. The women are characters that you truly care about and want to come out on top. This is the kind of book that will have you looking at your own neighbors differently and questioning whether anyone truly knows what goes on behind closed doors. It's a perfect blend of psychological thriller and domestic drama that will keep you reading.
Thank you to Bantam Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
This story follows the lives of four women who live on Hawthorne Lane. Each of the women are dealing with marital issues, children, and secrets. On the outside some of their lives look perfect but unfortunately just like in real life that is not the case. On Halloween someone is murdered so the entire book you are trying to figure out who died and who did it. The story flashes back so that you get the full background on the women as you try and figure out what could have happened. Trying to figure out who was murdered and by who was interesting but I really cared more about all the drama behind the scenes.
What makes this book excellent are the characters and of course the twists. The women are characters that you truly care about and want to come out on top. This is the kind of book that will have you looking at your own neighbors differently and questioning whether anyone truly knows what goes on behind closed doors. It's a perfect blend of psychological thriller and domestic drama that will keep you reading.
Thank you to Bantam Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
September 22, 2025
Who are the wives of the exclusive neighborhood of Hawthorne Lane who stick together and never have anything go wrong in their neighborhood?
No neighborhood can be that perfect, right?
Well...things definitely aren't as they seem.
We have affairs going on, secrets kept, unhappy wives, and domestic abuse.
Then the perfect neighborhood is shattered when a murder happens during their annual Halloween festival.
So many people could be suspects because everyone is having trouble with somebody, and the suspense builds because we get no clue who it could be.
Oh the twists...you won't see them coming.
And you know with a title like this there is going to be a lot of drama.
Don't miss this one!! 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
No neighborhood can be that perfect, right?
Well...things definitely aren't as they seem.
We have affairs going on, secrets kept, unhappy wives, and domestic abuse.
Then the perfect neighborhood is shattered when a murder happens during their annual Halloween festival.
So many people could be suspects because everyone is having trouble with somebody, and the suspense builds because we get no clue who it could be.
Oh the twists...you won't see them coming.
And you know with a title like this there is going to be a lot of drama.
Don't miss this one!! 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
June 28, 2025
This novel was a delicious, scandalous and fun story. The ladies of Hawthorne Lane have so many secrets it was fun to discover what was next. Halloween is on full display on Hawthorne Lane and when a murder happens suspicious run wild.
October 12, 2025
2.5⭐️ Thanks a bunch to @prhaudio for the complimentary audiobook!
THE WIVES OF HAWTHORNE LANE started out like the perfect Desperate Housewives-inspired fall popcorn thriller. Our story opens on Halloween night when a crime rocks a picture perfect suburban neighborhood. The plot then rewinds to give readers the full story of the events leading up to the fateful Fall Festival.
We meet four women and it won’t take long before you’re comparing them to their Desperate Housewives counterpart! This was a pretty quick read and solid domestic suspense with some unexpected twists. The only reason I didn’t enjoy it more is simply because the men ruined everything 🙄
While these women aren’t all that lovely, their husbands (plus a few side characters) were absolutely awful… and not in an awfully entertaining way. The ones that weren’t physically violent were immature patronizing liars who treated their wives (and mothers!) like dirt.
My own personal definition of a popcorn thriller is a juicy and addictive story that’s just plain fun… exactly like Desperate Housewives! These books (and shows!) likely won’t stick with you very long but they’re a perfect escape. So, while TWOHL technically fits the bill, calling it a popcorn thriller feels more than a bit wrong based on the heavy themes of abuse.
Not a bad book by any means and truly perfect for the season, but I probably would’ve skipped it had I known how much the plot revolves around abuse.
🎧 Highly recommend listening to this one if you pick it up. January LaVoy does a phenomenal job narrating (as always!).
THE WIVES OF HAWTHORNE LANE started out like the perfect Desperate Housewives-inspired fall popcorn thriller. Our story opens on Halloween night when a crime rocks a picture perfect suburban neighborhood. The plot then rewinds to give readers the full story of the events leading up to the fateful Fall Festival.
We meet four women and it won’t take long before you’re comparing them to their Desperate Housewives counterpart! This was a pretty quick read and solid domestic suspense with some unexpected twists. The only reason I didn’t enjoy it more is simply because the men ruined everything 🙄
While these women aren’t all that lovely, their husbands (plus a few side characters) were absolutely awful… and not in an awfully entertaining way. The ones that weren’t physically violent were immature patronizing liars who treated their wives (and mothers!) like dirt.
My own personal definition of a popcorn thriller is a juicy and addictive story that’s just plain fun… exactly like Desperate Housewives! These books (and shows!) likely won’t stick with you very long but they’re a perfect escape. So, while TWOHL technically fits the bill, calling it a popcorn thriller feels more than a bit wrong based on the heavy themes of abuse.
Not a bad book by any means and truly perfect for the season, but I probably would’ve skipped it had I known how much the plot revolves around abuse.
🎧 Highly recommend listening to this one if you pick it up. January LaVoy does a phenomenal job narrating (as always!).
June 19, 2025
It's full of suspense and unexpected turns. The characters are well-developed, and the pacing is perfect for keeping you hooked. The ending is satisfying, and it's a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading. Definitely a 5/5!
September 13, 2025
#ad much love for my finished copy @novelsuspects + @bantambooks #partner
& @prhaudio #partner for the ALC
The Wives of Hawthorne Lane
Oh what a tangled web we weave.
A standout domestic suspense that proves once again: in the quietest neighborhoods, the darkest secrets lurk.
“Or will they too remember the silences that she never learned how to break through,” (p. 97).
Hawthorne Lane is the picture of suburban perfection in Sterling Valley - a neatly trimmed cul-de-sac where neighbors watch out for one another, and sometimes watch a little too closely. In this neighborhood, nothing goes unnoticed, and secrets never stay buried for long. Reading this book felt like watching an episode of Desperate Housewives.
What makes this book a must read is not just the plot - though it’s full of domestic suspense, betrayal, and the ultimate promise of murder - but the writing itself. It’s razor-sharp, propulsive, and deliciously addictive. This is an author who has the talent of crafting a story with all the thrills of a page-turner and I’m obsessed!
The story is told in a kaleidoscope of perspectives: alternating character viewpoints, police transcripts, social media snippets, and shifts between before and now. This format adds to the tension and the voyeuristic thrill, pulling us deeper into the lives of these characters.
• Libby: the hopeful single mother (separated from her husband) but still very much tethered to him
• Hannah: the newcomer desperate to belong, her fragile identity shaken by an ominous anonymous letter with just one word: LIAR.
• Audrey: restless in her marriage and entangled in infidelity.
• Georgina: the queen bee, perfectly polished, holding her family together with an iron grip. Has the most to hide.
• Maggie and Dean, outsiders simmering with resentment for the wealthy world around them. Maggie is caught in Dean’s grip.
Each of these characters are constructed with such depth and precision that you will inevitably recognize in them someone you know - yourself, a neighbor, perhaps even a rival. Their motives, flaws, and desires make this book and every single one of them feels like a potential suspect.
🎧: this audio is superb. The perfect narrator. Can be listened to at 2x.
The Halloween-night setting makes for the perfect eerie backdrop, along with the promise that by dawn, someone will be dead. The tension in this story just builds and builds until it spills uncontrollably across the pristine lawns and manicured hedges, shattering the illusion of perfection of this little neighborhood.
What’s left is a story that’s both salacious and socially astute - a critique of appearances, privilege, and the secrets we keep behind closed doors. It’s fun, wild, and gripping, but also sharp enough to cut to the bone. I fully enjoyed this one.
The ending was nothing short of fabulous. Perfect.
Lots of triggers:
Infidelity
DV
Mentions of suicide
SA
Stalking
Murder
Car Accident
Foster Care
& @prhaudio #partner for the ALC
The Wives of Hawthorne Lane
Oh what a tangled web we weave.
A standout domestic suspense that proves once again: in the quietest neighborhoods, the darkest secrets lurk.
“Or will they too remember the silences that she never learned how to break through,” (p. 97).
Hawthorne Lane is the picture of suburban perfection in Sterling Valley - a neatly trimmed cul-de-sac where neighbors watch out for one another, and sometimes watch a little too closely. In this neighborhood, nothing goes unnoticed, and secrets never stay buried for long. Reading this book felt like watching an episode of Desperate Housewives.
What makes this book a must read is not just the plot - though it’s full of domestic suspense, betrayal, and the ultimate promise of murder - but the writing itself. It’s razor-sharp, propulsive, and deliciously addictive. This is an author who has the talent of crafting a story with all the thrills of a page-turner and I’m obsessed!
The story is told in a kaleidoscope of perspectives: alternating character viewpoints, police transcripts, social media snippets, and shifts between before and now. This format adds to the tension and the voyeuristic thrill, pulling us deeper into the lives of these characters.
• Libby: the hopeful single mother (separated from her husband) but still very much tethered to him
• Hannah: the newcomer desperate to belong, her fragile identity shaken by an ominous anonymous letter with just one word: LIAR.
• Audrey: restless in her marriage and entangled in infidelity.
• Georgina: the queen bee, perfectly polished, holding her family together with an iron grip. Has the most to hide.
• Maggie and Dean, outsiders simmering with resentment for the wealthy world around them. Maggie is caught in Dean’s grip.
Each of these characters are constructed with such depth and precision that you will inevitably recognize in them someone you know - yourself, a neighbor, perhaps even a rival. Their motives, flaws, and desires make this book and every single one of them feels like a potential suspect.
🎧: this audio is superb. The perfect narrator. Can be listened to at 2x.
The Halloween-night setting makes for the perfect eerie backdrop, along with the promise that by dawn, someone will be dead. The tension in this story just builds and builds until it spills uncontrollably across the pristine lawns and manicured hedges, shattering the illusion of perfection of this little neighborhood.
What’s left is a story that’s both salacious and socially astute - a critique of appearances, privilege, and the secrets we keep behind closed doors. It’s fun, wild, and gripping, but also sharp enough to cut to the bone. I fully enjoyed this one.
The ending was nothing short of fabulous. Perfect.
Lots of triggers:
Infidelity
DV
Mentions of suicide
SA
Stalking
Murder
Car Accident
Foster Care
June 28, 2025
This was a good read, though it did take me a little bit of time to get fully invested. It centers on 4 women in a nice neighborhood, all who are coming to terms with various domestic dramas as well as hiding secrets. We know immediately that someone has been murdered but we don't know who, and the rest of the book lays out the things that led to that. You also get some chapters from another character who lives outside the neighborhood.
The women are mostly relatable, though it did take some time for me to differentiate who was married to whom and which kids belonged to which moms. I enjoyed the dynamics between the female characters and thought they seemed realistic (though, as others have said, the male characters were mostly horrible). When the whole murder goes down, I did have to suspend my disbelief a bit, but I also felt satisfied with the way it all worked out.
Overall, I thought this was a good read and I’d recommend to those who enjoy domestic suspense. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy I’d this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2025
I feel bad for anyone who has to wait until September to read this 🫣
Stephanie DeCarolis knocked it out of the park with this one! There’s nothing I love more than upscale neighborhoods and housewives with secrets that carry more weight than their diamonds and designer bags. The Wives of Hawthorne Lane gave me everything I love about thrillers/domestic suspense and I had such a hard time putting this one down. The dual POV’s from everyone in the neighborhood was giving me whiplash in the best way possible and the twists had me picking my jaw up off the floor.
Make sure to add this to your TBR and mark your calendars for September 16th!
Stephanie DeCarolis knocked it out of the park with this one! There’s nothing I love more than upscale neighborhoods and housewives with secrets that carry more weight than their diamonds and designer bags. The Wives of Hawthorne Lane gave me everything I love about thrillers/domestic suspense and I had such a hard time putting this one down. The dual POV’s from everyone in the neighborhood was giving me whiplash in the best way possible and the twists had me picking my jaw up off the floor.
Make sure to add this to your TBR and mark your calendars for September 16th!
Want to read
August 26, 2025ARC received! Thank you, Bantam!!
December 19, 2025
AudiobookBook Review 📖🎧🍂
thank you so much partner @ballantinebooks @prhaudio for the gifted copy and audiobook!
The Wives of Hawthorne Lane
by Stephanie DeCarolis
Read By January LaVoy
out now!
About the book 👇🏽
Hawthorne Lane is the perfect place to live. Its tree-lined street and stately homes are the envy of the town. Every Halloween the residents of Hawthorne Lane come together to host their famous Fall Festival. But this year, someone won’t survive the night.
As a murder investigation ensues, it quickly becomes clear there’s more going on behind closed doors on Hawthorne Lane than meets the eye. And four women, each with secrets worth killing for, find themselves at the center of it all.
There’s Georgina, the perfectionist and reigning Queen Bee, who pays a high price for her elevated status. There’s Audrey, the bold and beautiful neighbor with the high-flying corporate career, but whose marriage is on the rocks. There’s Libby, the working mother who is struggling to come to terms with her recent divorce while parenting her teenage son. And finally, Hannah—the newcomer with a mysterious past that’s returning with a vengeance.
🔪 My thoughts:
Binged it, loved it, and gave it allllllll the stars!! January LaVoy is incredible and it seems like I’ve loved every single book with January as the narrator. I LOVE a good domestic thriller and this one delivered. With a good mystery and twists I didn’t see coming, I could not stop listening. I also did not guess the who did it and was genuinely surprised when all things were unveiled. And although there were quite a few characters, it really added to the drama and this book had my full attention! If you enjoy thrillers that are full of secrets and can be binged in a sitting, this is a book to consider giving a read or a listen because The Wives of Hawthorne Lane is out now!
Happy reading 📖 🎧🔪🍂
thank you so much partner @ballantinebooks @prhaudio for the gifted copy and audiobook!
The Wives of Hawthorne Lane
by Stephanie DeCarolis
Read By January LaVoy
out now!
About the book 👇🏽
Hawthorne Lane is the perfect place to live. Its tree-lined street and stately homes are the envy of the town. Every Halloween the residents of Hawthorne Lane come together to host their famous Fall Festival. But this year, someone won’t survive the night.
As a murder investigation ensues, it quickly becomes clear there’s more going on behind closed doors on Hawthorne Lane than meets the eye. And four women, each with secrets worth killing for, find themselves at the center of it all.
There’s Georgina, the perfectionist and reigning Queen Bee, who pays a high price for her elevated status. There’s Audrey, the bold and beautiful neighbor with the high-flying corporate career, but whose marriage is on the rocks. There’s Libby, the working mother who is struggling to come to terms with her recent divorce while parenting her teenage son. And finally, Hannah—the newcomer with a mysterious past that’s returning with a vengeance.
🔪 My thoughts:
Binged it, loved it, and gave it allllllll the stars!! January LaVoy is incredible and it seems like I’ve loved every single book with January as the narrator. I LOVE a good domestic thriller and this one delivered. With a good mystery and twists I didn’t see coming, I could not stop listening. I also did not guess the who did it and was genuinely surprised when all things were unveiled. And although there were quite a few characters, it really added to the drama and this book had my full attention! If you enjoy thrillers that are full of secrets and can be binged in a sitting, this is a book to consider giving a read or a listen because The Wives of Hawthorne Lane is out now!
Happy reading 📖 🎧🔪🍂
September 9, 2025
Ah Stepford Wives meets social media influencer meets murder. The Wives of Hawthorne Lane follows five beautiful women in their beautiful homes with their beautiful lives and their perfect neighbourhood party that certainly won't go awry. Perfect, perfect, perfect. We know how this story goes, but DeCarolis gives it a good ole twist thanks to one of our wives and her dark secrets.
Stephanie DeCarolis takes a story that maybe we've read something similar to before, but makes it quite an entertaining mystery that I found I couldn't predict. Of course the beautiful women's lives aren't perfect, of course there's drama behind the scenes, we've even seen this play out in real life, but the body that's found the night of their harvest party is not who you think and the reasoning is as unpredictable as the women who present their lives as happy as can be. There's more secrets in this story than you'd expect and while you might initially want to judge these women, they're smarter than they appear and getting to know who they really are and their motives was just as fun as the who-dun-it. With well-developed characters, steady pacing, and a few smartly placed twists, The Wives of Hawthorne Lane is sure to be a hit for suburban drama and thriller fans.
Stephanie DeCarolis takes a story that maybe we've read something similar to before, but makes it quite an entertaining mystery that I found I couldn't predict. Of course the beautiful women's lives aren't perfect, of course there's drama behind the scenes, we've even seen this play out in real life, but the body that's found the night of their harvest party is not who you think and the reasoning is as unpredictable as the women who present their lives as happy as can be. There's more secrets in this story than you'd expect and while you might initially want to judge these women, they're smarter than they appear and getting to know who they really are and their motives was just as fun as the who-dun-it. With well-developed characters, steady pacing, and a few smartly placed twists, The Wives of Hawthorne Lane is sure to be a hit for suburban drama and thriller fans.
October 17, 2025
"really makes you wonder how well you know your neighbors."
If you love high drama neighborhood mysteries - where you know there's a body right from the start and then it goes back in time and gives you blow by blow of how you got there but not who or why yet. If that sounds like your jam, give this one a go.
It just wasn't for me. It felt like rage bait. Everyone was just so angry - and they were awful in a way that invoked the reader to feel mad, angry that the bad guys just kept winning. I feel like so many people are mad like this every day - I go into books hoping to escape the bleakness of the real world and this one just feels like a really small part of society that all managed to somehow live on the same block. It just wasn't for me.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
If you love high drama neighborhood mysteries - where you know there's a body right from the start and then it goes back in time and gives you blow by blow of how you got there but not who or why yet. If that sounds like your jam, give this one a go.
It just wasn't for me. It felt like rage bait. Everyone was just so angry - and they were awful in a way that invoked the reader to feel mad, angry that the bad guys just kept winning. I feel like so many people are mad like this every day - I go into books hoping to escape the bleakness of the real world and this one just feels like a really small part of society that all managed to somehow live on the same block. It just wasn't for me.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
July 10, 2025
Give me all the neighborhood thrillers full of drama and secrets!
Someone has been murdered on Hawthorne Lane on Halloween night.. but we don’t know who yet. We get the POV of all the women on the lane who all have their own secretive life, as well as a woman on a different lane who wishes she could be in a neighborhood like Hawthorne.
Once I got everyone’s story straight, I was totally invested! Neighborhood/domestic thrillers are some of my favorites and this was done so well - everyone’s story lined up and at one point I *audibly gasped*
All of this with a very satisfying ending that left nothing unfinished, I will highly recommend this - especially to fans of Shari Lapena and Sally Hepworth. Give it a read!
4.5 ⭐️
Thanks to Ballantine/Bantam and NetGalley for my ARC. Pub date 09.16.25
Someone has been murdered on Hawthorne Lane on Halloween night.. but we don’t know who yet. We get the POV of all the women on the lane who all have their own secretive life, as well as a woman on a different lane who wishes she could be in a neighborhood like Hawthorne.
Once I got everyone’s story straight, I was totally invested! Neighborhood/domestic thrillers are some of my favorites and this was done so well - everyone’s story lined up and at one point I *audibly gasped*
All of this with a very satisfying ending that left nothing unfinished, I will highly recommend this - especially to fans of Shari Lapena and Sally Hepworth. Give it a read!
4.5 ⭐️
Thanks to Ballantine/Bantam and NetGalley for my ARC. Pub date 09.16.25
August 24, 2025
THE WIVES OF HAWTHORNE LANE was thrilling! The neighbors were all goofy and unreliable. I didn't know who was telling the truth the entire time. I really tried guessing correctly but I utterly failed at the end. Everyone got what they deserved. I did enjoy this on audiobook. It was so entertaining!
January 14, 2026
The first half of this book was really good. In a rich suburban neighborhood everyone has a secret. Unfortunately I didn’t really like the twist and got bored with the domestic issues by the end.
June 26, 2025
I can’t wait for folks to read this! Very good story.
September 8, 2025
I picked this one up because I was in the mood for a Halloween-y thriller. It was a solid domestic suspense, but not very thriller or murder mystery-ish. The murder mystery and “investigation” part were very brief. That being said, I went in mostly blind and I really enjoyed the multiple alternating POVs and short chapters and it definitely satisfied the spooky chilly fall vibes I was looking for. It was my first time reading this author, but her writing is great and hooked me immediately. I could picture all the scenes in my head like a movie playing. I had no idea where the plot was headed and it surprised me. Will definitely be reading more from her in the future!
Thank you to Stephanie, Bantam, and NetGalley for the e-galley and PRHA for the advance audio! I opted to eyeball read this one.
Thank you to Stephanie, Bantam, and NetGalley for the e-galley and PRHA for the advance audio! I opted to eyeball read this one.
May 4, 2025
This twisty, domestic thriller is about a prominent, upscale neighborhood in New England, and the private lives of its residents. A murder occurs on Halloween, and then we backtrack to the weeks prior to examine who could have been killed, who killed them, and why. The possibilities were endless to me!
I found myself enjoying this more and more as the story progressed, and remained invested and in suspense nearly the entire time. There is a twist, and it totally got me! The ending is wonderful also - very satisfying. With a different title, this could be a total sleeper hit.
I found myself enjoying this more and more as the story progressed, and remained invested and in suspense nearly the entire time. There is a twist, and it totally got me! The ending is wonderful also - very satisfying. With a different title, this could be a total sleeper hit.
September 16, 2025
I absolutely see the resemblance to Desperate Housewives and Big Little Lies: Like Desperate Housewives, in this book we have a seemingly perfect suburban neighborhood with residents hiding a mountain of secrets. And much like Big Little Lies, the story revolves around a central murder that's tied to a group of women.
Stephanie DeCarolis navigates the introduction of each POV very well and I didn’t find myself confused. As the reader, we often know a secret about one character that another character is completely clueless about, which makes every interaction between them feel loaded with tension. Every woman has her own unique voice and story and I liked how all of them were in different stages of their lives. While the mystery is what pulled me in, it’s watching these women’s stories develop that kept me turning the pages. The short chapters made it very easy to fly through the book!
The story is well written throughout and very thought provoking. That being said, The Wives of Hawthorne Lane explores the topic of abusive relationships so proceed with caution if you are triggered by that. I always love when a book sparks a conversation and this definitely will, I think this would be an excellent book club pick.
To sum it up: the twists are sharp and the secrets juicy! With its setting around Halloween night, it’s a perfect read for a cozy fall evening. If you've been missing the drama of Wisteria Lane or the intrigue of Monterey, then I highly recommend you pick this up.
Thank you to Bantam for providing me with a free advance reader copy (ARC) of this book. This review is not sponsored and all opinions are my own.
Stephanie DeCarolis navigates the introduction of each POV very well and I didn’t find myself confused. As the reader, we often know a secret about one character that another character is completely clueless about, which makes every interaction between them feel loaded with tension. Every woman has her own unique voice and story and I liked how all of them were in different stages of their lives. While the mystery is what pulled me in, it’s watching these women’s stories develop that kept me turning the pages. The short chapters made it very easy to fly through the book!
The story is well written throughout and very thought provoking. That being said, The Wives of Hawthorne Lane explores the topic of abusive relationships so proceed with caution if you are triggered by that. I always love when a book sparks a conversation and this definitely will, I think this would be an excellent book club pick.
To sum it up: the twists are sharp and the secrets juicy! With its setting around Halloween night, it’s a perfect read for a cozy fall evening. If you've been missing the drama of Wisteria Lane or the intrigue of Monterey, then I highly recommend you pick this up.
Thank you to Bantam for providing me with a free advance reader copy (ARC) of this book. This review is not sponsored and all opinions are my own.
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