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The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives
A remarkable trio whose lives were 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 serial killers—dead or behind bars, they are attempting to forge a new future for themselves.
Headstrong Beverley compulsively tries to maintain control of everything around her, all while raising two children. Bookish Elsie fights day in and day out for the chance to make a name for herself in the newsroom, working among men who sneer at her career goals. Glamorous Margot refuses to take anything seriously 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 How could they not have known, when their husbands were right under their noses, committing horrific crimes? How much guilt is theirs to carry? And yet when a string of 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.
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 serial killers—dead or behind bars, they are attempting to forge a new future for themselves.
Headstrong Beverley compulsively tries to maintain control of everything around her, all while raising two children. Bookish Elsie fights day in and day out for the chance to make a name for herself in the newsroom, working among men who sneer at her career goals. Glamorous Margot refuses to take anything seriously 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 How could they not have known, when their husbands were right under their noses, committing horrific crimes? How much guilt is theirs to carry? And yet when a string of 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.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 3, 2026
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March 20, 2026
Good Morning America Book Club Pick – March 2026
Setting: California, 1966
Beverley, Elsie, and Margot are not typical housewives. They live with a past they didn’t ask for—one in which everyone else wants to know how they couldn’t have known what their husbands did. So how do they move forward with that kind of stigma shadowing every step?
“You want a murderer’s wife, ladies and gentlemen? Here. Have three.”
Obviously, the book title hints at what that past entails. But what really happened—and what kind of life can they claim now?
And then…
Murder happens…again.
Beverley is on a mission to protect other women—to help them recognize warning signs, to stay alert in ways she wishes she had known before. Because the truth is, danger doesn’t always announce itself.
“You do know you are not personally responsible for the safety of other women just because of what your husband did…It’s not your fault.”
But could she have seen things differently? Paid closer attention? How do any of them move beyond the guilt, the betrayal, and the quiet accusations placed upon them—as if they were the ones to blame?
And now, with violence surfacing again, how can Beverley, Elsie, and Margot make a difference?
The women form an unlikely alliance, pushing against a system that dismisses them at every turn—law enforcement, societal expectations, and the ever-present undercurrent of misogyny. Their journey raises an urgent question: when no one takes you seriously, how do you make yourself heard?
And, who can they trust?
Teetering between cozy mystery and a police procedural, the novel is driven by the strength, insight, and determination of its central trio held together in friendship. These women are not just surviving—they are observing, questioning, connecting dots, and refusing to be silenced.
What makes this story stand out is its focus. It turns away from the men who commit these crimes and instead centers the lives forever altered in their wake—while also challenging our tendency to elevate and fixate on the perpetrators, rather than reckon with the damage they leave behind.
Making this a compelling, twisty, imperfect, but interesting read.
Setting: California, 1966
Beverley, Elsie, and Margot are not typical housewives. They live with a past they didn’t ask for—one in which everyone else wants to know how they couldn’t have known what their husbands did. So how do they move forward with that kind of stigma shadowing every step?
“You want a murderer’s wife, ladies and gentlemen? Here. Have three.”
Obviously, the book title hints at what that past entails. But what really happened—and what kind of life can they claim now?
And then…
Murder happens…again.
Beverley is on a mission to protect other women—to help them recognize warning signs, to stay alert in ways she wishes she had known before. Because the truth is, danger doesn’t always announce itself.
“You do know you are not personally responsible for the safety of other women just because of what your husband did…It’s not your fault.”
But could she have seen things differently? Paid closer attention? How do any of them move beyond the guilt, the betrayal, and the quiet accusations placed upon them—as if they were the ones to blame?
And now, with violence surfacing again, how can Beverley, Elsie, and Margot make a difference?
The women form an unlikely alliance, pushing against a system that dismisses them at every turn—law enforcement, societal expectations, and the ever-present undercurrent of misogyny. Their journey raises an urgent question: when no one takes you seriously, how do you make yourself heard?
And, who can they trust?
Teetering between cozy mystery and a police procedural, the novel is driven by the strength, insight, and determination of its central trio held together in friendship. These women are not just surviving—they are observing, questioning, connecting dots, and refusing to be silenced.
What makes this story stand out is its focus. It turns away from the men who commit these crimes and instead centers the lives forever altered in their wake—while also challenging our tendency to elevate and fixate on the perpetrators, rather than reckon with the damage they leave behind.
Making this a compelling, twisty, imperfect, but interesting read.
November 3, 2025
3.5 stars!
I gravitate toward books about women in the 1950s–60s era, so I was really excited to dive into this one! It did a good job highlighting the challenges women encountered at the time—being misjudged, dismissed, and pushed to take extreme measures just to be heard.
I loved getting to know the three main characters—all strong, distinct women—as they tested limits and challenged societal norms. I just wish we’d gotten a little more of their backstory: how they met and more details of what unraveled to bring them to where this story begins. That extra context would’ve made their friendship and choices resonate even more.
The pacing was slow at times with a lot of details that didn’t feel necessary. It didn’t really pick up until the last quarter of the book as everything resolved. The ending wrapped things up nicely, though I do wish the rest of the story had the same tension and pacing. Still, I loved some of the twists and the overall message about women refusing to stay quiet and fighting for themselves!
** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher! **
I gravitate toward books about women in the 1950s–60s era, so I was really excited to dive into this one! It did a good job highlighting the challenges women encountered at the time—being misjudged, dismissed, and pushed to take extreme measures just to be heard.
I loved getting to know the three main characters—all strong, distinct women—as they tested limits and challenged societal norms. I just wish we’d gotten a little more of their backstory: how they met and more details of what unraveled to bring them to where this story begins. That extra context would’ve made their friendship and choices resonate even more.
The pacing was slow at times with a lot of details that didn’t feel necessary. It didn’t really pick up until the last quarter of the book as everything resolved. The ending wrapped things up nicely, though I do wish the rest of the story had the same tension and pacing. Still, I loved some of the twists and the overall message about women refusing to stay quiet and fighting for themselves!
** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher! **
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was an excellent historical fiction story with a difference. Set in 1966 California, we see a world where women are still expected to be homemakers and others, doing everything for their husbands. Their opinions are dismissed and they are restricted in most ways of life .
These 3 women, Beverley, Elsie and Margo were all strong but broken after discovering that they husbands were killers. They had no idea at the time and feel immense guilt for not seeing it to save heir victims. But when another killer starts preying on women in the area, they try to help the police, only to be dismissed as not knowing what they are talking about. This only fires them up and they set out to stop the killer themselves.
This was a story of friendship, guilt, and society opinions. It shows these women trying to rebuilding their lives and be more than a murderers wife.
It is dark but has its lighter moments and some that made me laugh.
Thanks so much to Berkeley Publishing Group for my advanced copy to read. Get this on your TBR on March 3rd.
These 3 women, Beverley, Elsie and Margo were all strong but broken after discovering that they husbands were killers. They had no idea at the time and feel immense guilt for not seeing it to save heir victims. But when another killer starts preying on women in the area, they try to help the police, only to be dismissed as not knowing what they are talking about. This only fires them up and they set out to stop the killer themselves.
This was a story of friendship, guilt, and society opinions. It shows these women trying to rebuilding their lives and be more than a murderers wife.
It is dark but has its lighter moments and some that made me laugh.
Thanks so much to Berkeley Publishing Group for my advanced copy to read. Get this on your TBR on March 3rd.
October 21, 2025
ARC for review. To be published March 3, 2026.
3 stars
It’s 1966 and Beverley, Elsie and Margot, Californians all, share a unique sisterhood - all three of their former husbands were serial killers. They bonded over ver that fact and have become the best of friends. Now Beverley is hyper alert to any crime involving the death of a young woman, Elsie is wants to be a crime reporter at the newspaper where she’s just an executive assistant and Margot just wants to party her life away…which would be easier with a rich husband.
The women learn there’s a serial killer in their area, and who knows serial killers better than the three women who lived with them? They decide to investigate.
This was a cute story, filled with period detail. Despite the fact it’s about serial killers, it’s pretty light and fairly easy to read. I was a bit puzzled as to how Beverley got along financially…if it was explained, then I missed it.
3 stars
It’s 1966 and Beverley, Elsie and Margot, Californians all, share a unique sisterhood - all three of their former husbands were serial killers. They bonded over ver that fact and have become the best of friends. Now Beverley is hyper alert to any crime involving the death of a young woman, Elsie is wants to be a crime reporter at the newspaper where she’s just an executive assistant and Margot just wants to party her life away…which would be easier with a rich husband.
The women learn there’s a serial killer in their area, and who knows serial killers better than the three women who lived with them? They decide to investigate.
This was a cute story, filled with period detail. Despite the fact it’s about serial killers, it’s pretty light and fairly easy to read. I was a bit puzzled as to how Beverley got along financially…if it was explained, then I missed it.
March 9, 2026
It cannot continue like this—men taking whatever they want and no one holding them accountable for the harm they cause.
It’s 1966, and the term “serial killer” hasn’t yet been coined - but there is no mistaking that Beverley, Margot, and Elsie were each married to one. In the wake of their husbands’ crimes, the three women meet and form a bond very few others could possibly understand: They know what it’s like to share their lives with a killer. So when women start turning up dead around California, Beverley, Margo, and Elsie immediately notice the similarities to their husbands’ crimes - and they decide to begin their own investigation.
The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives isn’t exactly a thriller, more a quietly compelling crime drama combined with historical fiction, with a feminist bent. The focus is on the characters’ friendship and experiences as women in the mid-twentieth century. It was a time when women were dismissed and demeaned even in the best circumstances - let alone if they married a man who later committed violent crimes. Yes, our girls had a rough time in society, and it was poignant and empowering to see how they stood up for themselves and circumvented societal norms throughout their investigation (and in their lives in general).
I wish the book had been more evenly paced; the first three-quarters felt drawn out, while the conclusion was exciting and full of the tension that the rest of the story lacked. I also wanted more backstory for all three of the central characters: How exactly did they meet? Who were they before their husbands’ actions defined their lives? Their friendship lacked some texture that I think deeper character development would’ve provided, and it would’ve only added to the richness of the story.
It feels weird to call The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives a pleasant read given the subject matter, but that was the vibe for me, so we’re going with it: a pleasant story about female friendship and empowerment, with some murdery bits thrown in to spice things up. 3.5 stars. Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for the early reading opportunity.
March 9, 2026
Really good on audiobook (Saskia and Karissa!!) but oooof this one was slow. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy it, but I do I think we needed more background story with the women. We jumped right in and I didn’t think the women were different enough for me to remember who they were and what made them stand out. The development was done well and I was interested where the story was going, but it was just too drawn out and sluggish.
Expect more historical fiction than mystery/suspense.
Expect more historical fiction than mystery/suspense.
March 3, 2026
4.25 stars. GMA Book Club - March ‘26 pick. California 1966.. Beverly, Elsie and Margot were all married to serial killers. All men are gone but not forgotten.. neither are the burdens these women carry from the crimes that were committed. These women since have been off-the-record in helping the police uncover crimes. Now a new killer is on the loose and the three believe it to be a serial killer only the police won’t listen. Their knowledge is incredibly valuable to catching a killer and they feel obligated in banding together to keep anyone else from becoming a victim.
I read this in one sitting combing through it so fast. The 60’s era was spot on, and I loved how well this trio of female characters were portrayed. I found it amazing the strength they possessed alongside their unique friendship and that they were able to share such distinct emotional experiences. I can’t imagine the trauma. I really liked seeing this was more than a crime novel, it also shows the aftermath, the impact these crimes had on family members, especially for women and the stigma associated with it. What an interesting concept. Do recommend. Pub. 3/3/26
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I read this in one sitting combing through it so fast. The 60’s era was spot on, and I loved how well this trio of female characters were portrayed. I found it amazing the strength they possessed alongside their unique friendship and that they were able to share such distinct emotional experiences. I can’t imagine the trauma. I really liked seeing this was more than a crime novel, it also shows the aftermath, the impact these crimes had on family members, especially for women and the stigma associated with it. What an interesting concept. Do recommend. Pub. 3/3/26
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
November 10, 2025
2.5/5
You always hear about the men who k*ll, but what about the women who love them? The story follows three women who form an unlikely friendship, united by the fact that their husbands are convicted murderers. When it appears that a serial k*ller is on the loose, they take it upon themselves to investigate.
I didn’t know what to expect from this book, but I absolutely loved the premise and had high expectations. I wasn’t sure if it would lean towards a trashy beach read or something more serious—and it definitely fell more towards the latter.
Unfortunately, I was really disappointed by this book. I found it incredibly slow-paced and dull. I had no strong feelings towards any of the characters; they were just nothing special or memorable.
The final quarter of the book is probably the most exciting part. However, the twist was extremely predictable, and the motivation behind it wasn’t unique—it’s been done before… a lot!
You always hear about the men who k*ll, but what about the women who love them? The story follows three women who form an unlikely friendship, united by the fact that their husbands are convicted murderers. When it appears that a serial k*ller is on the loose, they take it upon themselves to investigate.
I didn’t know what to expect from this book, but I absolutely loved the premise and had high expectations. I wasn’t sure if it would lean towards a trashy beach read or something more serious—and it definitely fell more towards the latter.
Unfortunately, I was really disappointed by this book. I found it incredibly slow-paced and dull. I had no strong feelings towards any of the characters; they were just nothing special or memorable.
The final quarter of the book is probably the most exciting part. However, the twist was extremely predictable, and the motivation behind it wasn’t unique—it’s been done before… a lot!
March 8, 2026
The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives was such a fun and surprisingly easy book to get pulled into. From the very beginning, I found myself completely invested in the characters and their strange but fascinating world. The premise alone is intriguing: a group of women in the late 20th century who are connected through the fact that they are ex-wives or widows of serial killers. It’s historical fiction with a mystery at its core, and the combination works really well.
What I loved most about this book was the characters. Each of the women felt distinct and intelligent, and I really enjoyed how capable and perceptive they were. The story centers women in a way that feels natural and empowering without being heavy-handed. In fact, I’d almost describe the book as “sneaky feminist.” It’s very much about women supporting each other, navigating complicated pasts, and using their intelligence to uncover the truth.
My favorite character was Bev. Her internal dialogue was one of the highlights of the book for me. She felt incredibly real—thoughtful, curious, and determined to help even when things got difficult. I loved seeing how much she cared about doing the right thing and how that drove her throughout the story.
The plot also delivers some really strong twists that kept me engaged the whole way through. It balances suspense with moments of humor and warmth between the characters, which made it a really enjoyable read overall.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a fun, twisty mystery with memorable characters. Fans of Freida McFadden or Lisa Unger will likely enjoy this one as well. It’s an entertaining, character-driven mystery that’s easy to get into and hard to put down.
What I loved most about this book was the characters. Each of the women felt distinct and intelligent, and I really enjoyed how capable and perceptive they were. The story centers women in a way that feels natural and empowering without being heavy-handed. In fact, I’d almost describe the book as “sneaky feminist.” It’s very much about women supporting each other, navigating complicated pasts, and using their intelligence to uncover the truth.
My favorite character was Bev. Her internal dialogue was one of the highlights of the book for me. She felt incredibly real—thoughtful, curious, and determined to help even when things got difficult. I loved seeing how much she cared about doing the right thing and how that drove her throughout the story.
The plot also delivers some really strong twists that kept me engaged the whole way through. It balances suspense with moments of humor and warmth between the characters, which made it a really enjoyable read overall.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a fun, twisty mystery with memorable characters. Fans of Freida McFadden or Lisa Unger will likely enjoy this one as well. It’s an entertaining, character-driven mystery that’s easy to get into and hard to put down.
March 4, 2026
The Secret Lives Of Murderers Wives by Elizabeth Arnott, the book is about three women in the 60s who all become friends because they were once married to serial killers Elise, Beverly and Margot are the three most unlikely of friends but due to their commonalities they not only become friends but close ones. Soon after the book begins they learn a prostitute had been murdered and only take a passing interest in the case but when another college student is murdered the three become much more interested. Elise has an in because she works at the newspaper and even puts her life on the line trying to get a clue Beverly contributes because she just so happens to be sleeping with one of the detectives a man she met while he investigated her husband and then there’s fabulous Margot. As the three gets closer to the truth the entertainment ramps up and I think the closer the book got to the end the better it was. I appreciated all the 60s references and the historical accuracy I found this book more a character study than a story that’s moved along by dialogue although they do have some of that as well. I really enjoyed this book had the whole book been like the last 3/4 of the book I definitely would’ve given it the perfect score but a last four stars isn’t bad it really was an entertaining read. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,
March 7, 2026
If I could give this book 100 stars, I would. I don't read much crime fiction as it's not my genre, but this one by Elizabeth Arnott absolutely blew me away. The story itself - three ex-wives of serial killers come together to try and crack a spate of murders in their Californian neighbourhood - gripped me from the first page. But it was the characters - Beverley, Margot and Elsie - who really sealed it for me. So well drawn, so well researched, utterly brilliant and believable. I'm in awe of Arnott's ability to take the reader back to the 1960s, and make it so 'now', so relevant to our world today. Brilliant stuff!
July 31, 2025
Thanks Penguin Random House for the free ARC. My goodness I loved this book! Every single thing about it!!
March 3, 2026
“The Secret Lives of Murderer’s Wives” is an absorbing mystery about the friendship between three women and their search for a serial killer.
The year is 1966. The place is Los Angeles, CA and its surrounding suburbs.
Beautiful Beverly, bookish Elise, and glamorous Margot are three very different women with two things in common: 1) each was married to a serial killer who committed his crimes without their suspecting a thing; and 2) each is determined to make up for their blindness by catching the newest serial killer terrorizing the area.
Author Elizabeth Arnott has given us a novel that is rich in characters and setting. While I thought the pacing slow at times, especially in the beginning, I was most impressed by the care she took to describe the psychologies of her three main characters, their husbands, the police, the press, and the times in general. She shines a bright light on the sexism of the 1960’s and, in so doing, gives us a measuring rod by which to judge how far we have, or have not, progressed. As someone who lived through and remembers the 1960s, I also appreciated the many cultural references used to evoke the period (e.g., “Star Trek,” Lee Marvin, “I Dream of Jeannie,” Princess telephones, Chesterfield and Lucky Strike cigarettes, Ford’s Cortina automobile, Aramis cologne, and Ronald Reagan as California’s Governor, just to mention a few.)
There were times when I thought character reactions, and the messaging, were a little heavy-handed. But for the most part, this novel—filled as it is with twists and turns and more than a few suspects--kept my attention right to the very end, which is something of a surprise.
My thanks to NetGalley, author Elizabeth Arnott, and publisher Berkley Publishing Group /Berkley for providing me with a complimentary electronic ARC. All of the foregoing is my honest, independent opinion.
The year is 1966. The place is Los Angeles, CA and its surrounding suburbs.
Beautiful Beverly, bookish Elise, and glamorous Margot are three very different women with two things in common: 1) each was married to a serial killer who committed his crimes without their suspecting a thing; and 2) each is determined to make up for their blindness by catching the newest serial killer terrorizing the area.
Author Elizabeth Arnott has given us a novel that is rich in characters and setting. While I thought the pacing slow at times, especially in the beginning, I was most impressed by the care she took to describe the psychologies of her three main characters, their husbands, the police, the press, and the times in general. She shines a bright light on the sexism of the 1960’s and, in so doing, gives us a measuring rod by which to judge how far we have, or have not, progressed. As someone who lived through and remembers the 1960s, I also appreciated the many cultural references used to evoke the period (e.g., “Star Trek,” Lee Marvin, “I Dream of Jeannie,” Princess telephones, Chesterfield and Lucky Strike cigarettes, Ford’s Cortina automobile, Aramis cologne, and Ronald Reagan as California’s Governor, just to mention a few.)
There were times when I thought character reactions, and the messaging, were a little heavy-handed. But for the most part, this novel—filled as it is with twists and turns and more than a few suspects--kept my attention right to the very end, which is something of a surprise.
My thanks to NetGalley, author Elizabeth Arnott, and publisher Berkley Publishing Group /Berkley for providing me with a complimentary electronic ARC. All of the foregoing is my honest, independent opinion.
March 14, 2026
The premise caught my attention, but its execution lessened it. I found myself uninterested in the characters because the story was surprisingly dull.
March 12, 2026
Fun. Fun and dark. I love that we got to follow the murders and see how women were still fighting to be seen even in 1966. Very quick read and I'm glad I picked it up in the middle of my slump.
March 16, 2026
4.5⭐️
Review to come.
Review to come.
March 8, 2026
I had been waiting for this book to come out for a while and was really excited to read it. After finishing it, I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about it. The title and synopsis are very intriguing and immediately draw you in. However, the story turned out to focus much more on women’s perspectives and the social circumstances surrounding them at the time than I expected. While that aspect was interesting and important, it wasn’t what I thought would be the main focus of the book. I had anticipated more of a thriller or mystery vibe, but the mystery element didn’t receive enough focus for it to really stand out. Because of that, the story sometimes felt more like a TV series centered on women in the 1960s, if that makes sense. At times, the way the characters tried to piece things together also felt a bit forced, as if certain clues or realizations appeared just to move the plot forward rather than developing naturally. That said, I still enjoyed the book. The writing style was engaging and easy to read, even if it wasn’t quite the story I was expecting.
January 30, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! I was so intrigued by the title and blurb, and this book delivered. The time period made for a cozy setting for a satisfying murder mystery driven by meddling women (yuhhh) and unlikely friendships (double yuhhh). I particularly enjoyed the friend group dynamics, the complex female characters, and the feminist commentary whose insights were pointed while still fitting for the time period (mostly in reference to dialogue and related vocabulary). Also a great double plot twist! My only complaints are the slower pacing in the first act, and I would have loved a bit more backstory on the forming of the friend group perhaps with a dash of further explanation for Elsie being British in California™️ (literally so random). Some characters’ introductions also seemed leading but they ultimately faded into the background (i.e. Patti) which was disappointing. Also highkey Patti and Elsie seemed to have some ~lgbbq~ vibes going on so…. sequel?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2025
Set in the 1960s, a time when women were expected to be silent, submissive, and plain stunning. The story plunges us into an era where domesticity was the default and ambition was practically a crime for the female population. One's worth was measured by how well the house is kept and how pretty you looked beside your husband (frustrated sigh and a dramatic eye roll). And yet, this backdrop works. It delivers that nostalgic historical fiction vibe which invites readers to reflect on how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go.
At the heart of the story are three women, each nursing wounds from an extremely traumatic past and grappling with society’s judgment. Their connection - all their husbands were convicted of murder. That shared tragedy becomes the unlikely glue that binds them together. But instead of wallowing, they rise. They reclaim their narratives, support one another, and find purpose in helping others.
It’s a tale of redemption, resilience, and the quiet power of female solidarity.
What I Loved:
• Fast pacing that kept the pages turning and the tension simmering.
• The setting - no smartphones, no filters, just raw human drama in an old-school world.
• Strong female leads who refuse to be defined by their husbands’ crimes or society’s expectations.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
• Third person narrative - I struggled to emotionally connect with the characters at times. It felt like watching from a distance when I wanted to be inside their heads.
• Sexism trope overload - Yes, it’s the 1960s, but the constant reminders of gender inequality felt repetitive rather than revelatory.
• Missing that mind-bending thriller edge. I craved more twists, more psychological depth, more gasp-worthy moments.
Ratings Breakdown:
❥ Setting - 5⭐️
❥ Character Building - 4⭐️
❥ Writing Style - 3⭐️
❥ Message - 3⭐️
❥ Overall - 3⭐️
Final Thoughts: This book is a compelling weekend read with an irresistible title and a premise that hooks you from page one. It’s got murder, mystery, and a trio of women who refuse to be victims. If you enjoy stories that blend emotional healing with suspense and a dash of retro flair, then this one’s worth your time.
Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Random House Australia, and author Elizabeth Arnott for the advance copy. As always, my views are my own- straight from my thriller-obsessed brain and feminist heart.
~JaNnA~
At the heart of the story are three women, each nursing wounds from an extremely traumatic past and grappling with society’s judgment. Their connection - all their husbands were convicted of murder. That shared tragedy becomes the unlikely glue that binds them together. But instead of wallowing, they rise. They reclaim their narratives, support one another, and find purpose in helping others.
It’s a tale of redemption, resilience, and the quiet power of female solidarity.
What I Loved:
• Fast pacing that kept the pages turning and the tension simmering.
• The setting - no smartphones, no filters, just raw human drama in an old-school world.
• Strong female leads who refuse to be defined by their husbands’ crimes or society’s expectations.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
• Third person narrative - I struggled to emotionally connect with the characters at times. It felt like watching from a distance when I wanted to be inside their heads.
• Sexism trope overload - Yes, it’s the 1960s, but the constant reminders of gender inequality felt repetitive rather than revelatory.
• Missing that mind-bending thriller edge. I craved more twists, more psychological depth, more gasp-worthy moments.
Ratings Breakdown:
❥ Setting - 5⭐️
❥ Character Building - 4⭐️
❥ Writing Style - 3⭐️
❥ Message - 3⭐️
❥ Overall - 3⭐️
Final Thoughts: This book is a compelling weekend read with an irresistible title and a premise that hooks you from page one. It’s got murder, mystery, and a trio of women who refuse to be victims. If you enjoy stories that blend emotional healing with suspense and a dash of retro flair, then this one’s worth your time.
Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Random House Australia, and author Elizabeth Arnott for the advance copy. As always, my views are my own- straight from my thriller-obsessed brain and feminist heart.
~JaNnA~
September 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
This wasn’t exactly what I was anticipating, but it was entertaining to read. I felt like it couldn’t quite decide if it was a tense crime read or something a little more light and the balance was off - I didn’t actually feel any tenseness until about 80% of the way through the book.
I was also left with some questions … did I miss exactly how Bev, Elsie, and Margot met? I wish we had more of their lives beforehand. The 60’s timeline also through me a bit because it didn’t feel authentic except for some music references.
This could make a good screenplay for a film though!
This wasn’t exactly what I was anticipating, but it was entertaining to read. I felt like it couldn’t quite decide if it was a tense crime read or something a little more light and the balance was off - I didn’t actually feel any tenseness until about 80% of the way through the book.
I was also left with some questions … did I miss exactly how Bev, Elsie, and Margot met? I wish we had more of their lives beforehand. The 60’s timeline also through me a bit because it didn’t feel authentic except for some music references.
This could make a good screenplay for a film though!
March 6, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an eARC.
This had a very interesting, unique premise and was also a fun book to read despite the dark themes. I liked the friendship developed between the women. It was well written. The killer was easy to guess midway through the book. I guess that's what happens when there are almost no recurring side characters. But, the book did wrap up all the loose ends to what I could see. I would love to see sequels to this book where these women maybe with more new joiners have their own murder solving club. Another thing was, somehow this didn't strike me as being set in the 60s. I suppose the only thing that implied that was the lack of personal electronic devices. That just felt like a minor discrepancy from the blurb but that didn't take away any enjoyment from the story for me. There were a lot of important messages in the book, sometimes blunt and sometimes subtle. But, I didn't find myself being annoyed by the mode of delivery at any point so that's good. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a character focused mystery read.
This had a very interesting, unique premise and was also a fun book to read despite the dark themes. I liked the friendship developed between the women. It was well written. The killer was easy to guess midway through the book. I guess that's what happens when there are almost no recurring side characters. But, the book did wrap up all the loose ends to what I could see. I would love to see sequels to this book where these women maybe with more new joiners have their own murder solving club. Another thing was, somehow this didn't strike me as being set in the 60s. I suppose the only thing that implied that was the lack of personal electronic devices. That just felt like a minor discrepancy from the blurb but that didn't take away any enjoyment from the story for me. There were a lot of important messages in the book, sometimes blunt and sometimes subtle. But, I didn't find myself being annoyed by the mode of delivery at any point so that's good. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a character focused mystery read.
March 12, 2026
3.5 stars. The 1st half was a slow burn. It picked up when the women had a suspect figured out 60% in.
March 19, 2026
this was a fun read!
March 9, 2026
I had pretty high expectations for this one and was disappointed. I loved the premise but I feel more could have been done to develop the characters. Perhaps having only 2 leads would have helped. I did like the twist at the end, but felt it all came together too fast. The story seemed too slow, and then too fast.
There was an interesting neighbor who I wish had a larger role. I think there were too many missed opportunities for character development.
3.5 stars
There was an interesting neighbor who I wish had a larger role. I think there were too many missed opportunities for character development.
3.5 stars
March 22, 2026
California, 1966: three women bonded over being ex-wives of serial killers band together to solve a current murder spree. The story alternates between current crime spree and the women’s backstories. A gripping debut mixing the marginalization and resilience of women, female friendships, and a crime thriller. Thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Press and Harper Auido for advanced copies for a honest review.
October 24, 2025
Enjoyable book with an interesting premise. It was just a little slow until maybe the last 10%.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.
December 15, 2025
Three women whose spouses were convicted killers band together to catch a serial killer in The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives. Set in 1966 California, the book focuses on the three spouses, with their ex-husbands all in prison for their crimes, as they come to grips with their exes’ pasts, reliving the moments when they were caught and the public outcry to the wives’ lack of knowledge. But when several women are found killed in their community, the women rely on their past experiences with their husbands to try and identify a likely suspect. This is a slow and melancholy examination into the psyches of these women, with an emphasis on their emotional journey rather than on their investigation into the new murders. For this reader, I would have preferred the opposite, and I just couldn’t get invested in the characters nor the plot, and it was tough to get through. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2025
I appreciated how this book explored the struggles women faced in the 1960s, from being underestimated and overlooked to taking drastic action in pursuit of justice and equality. I enjoyed following the three women at the heart of the story as they pushed social boundaries in the name of feminism.
That said, I found the pacing quite slow, and it didn’t feel particularly thrilling until the final 10%, when everything finally came together. While the ending was satisfying, I wish the earlier parts had carried more of that intensity.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin General UK - Fig Tree for the ARC.
That said, I found the pacing quite slow, and it didn’t feel particularly thrilling until the final 10%, when everything finally came together. While the ending was satisfying, I wish the earlier parts had carried more of that intensity.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin General UK - Fig Tree for the ARC.
December 29, 2025
* thanks to Berkeley for the NetGalley review copy (pub date: March 3, 2026)
Loved the cover and concept, but the execution was not my favorite. I had a hard time keeping the characters straight, the pace was slow, the way the women talked about crime felt much too modern, and the murder investigation was tedious with an easily-guessable twist.
Loved the cover and concept, but the execution was not my favorite. I had a hard time keeping the characters straight, the pace was slow, the way the women talked about crime felt much too modern, and the murder investigation was tedious with an easily-guessable twist.
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