Sally Hepworth’s The Mother-in-Law is a thriller book with a contemporary feel. There is an interesting mystery surrounding the mother-in-law’s death. However, the book also digs deep into the lives of the main characters, Lucy and Diana. The twist at the end is one that I didn’t see coming at all.
Title: The Mother-in-LawAuthor: Sally Hepworth
Also by this author: The Good Sister
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Adult Fiction
Publication Date: April 23, 2019
Rating:
Someone once told me that you have two families in your life - the one you are born into and the one you choose. Yes, you may get to choose your partner, but you don't choose your mother-in-law. The cackling mercenaries of fate determine it all.
From the moment Lucy met Diana, she was kept at arm's length. Diana is exquisitely polite, but Lucy knows, even after marrying Oliver, that they'll never have the closeness she'd been hoping for.
But who could fault Diana? She was a pillar of the community, an advocate for social justice, the matriarch of a loving family. Lucy had wanted so much to please her new mother-in-law.
That was ten years ago. Now, Diana has been found dead, leaving a suicide note. But the autopsy reveals evidence of suffocation. And everyone in the family is hiding something...
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth
Character-driven books are always favourites of mine. Lucy and Diana are both enjoyable characters to read about. Their personalities are quite different, although they both have a strong commitment to family. Hepworth gives readers the perspective of both characters, which adds to the plot and gives a deeper understanding of their motivations.
❀ Keeps You Guessing
As the story moves along, it flips between the past and the present. More and more little details are revealed about each of the women. This really adds to the mystery of what happened to Diana and keeps the reader guessing. It isn’t until the very end of the book that things become clear.
❀ Strong Family Theme
What is most interesting about the novel is its insightful look into the relationships we have with our family. Lucy and Diana have a typical mother-daugther-in-law relationship, and this is what moves the book blog. However, both women go through a process of realization that is really lovely to read about.
❀ An Amazing Mystery Novel
The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth is an amazing mystery novel that engages and entertains. The mystery aspect is both surprising and thrilling, while the contemporary side adds meaning. This is my first Hepworth novel and I am excited to read more of her work.
About Sally Hepworth
Sally Hepworth is the bestselling author of The Secrets of Midwives (2015), The Things We Keep (2016) and The Mother's Promise (2017), and The Family Next Door (Feb 2018). Sally's books have been labelled “enchanting” by The Herald Sun, “smart and engaging” by Publisher’s Weekly, and New York Times bestselling authors Liane Moriarty and Emily Giffin have praised Sally’s novels as “women’s fiction at its finest” and “totally absorbing”.
Sally's novels are available worldwide in English and have been translated into 15 languages.
Sally lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband and three children.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.
I always enjoy it when a book flips between the past and the present. It gives a story something extra, I think. Great review, Lori!
It really does! Thank you! 🙂
I too enjoy dual time lines in stories. And this sounds like a mystery with some strong characters.
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I think that the characters are what I love most about this one!
Sounds like quite an enjoyable read.
It really is!
I love when books keep me on my toes!! Great review 😉
I agree! Thank you. 🙂
I really liked The Mother-In-Law! Normally I’m not a fan of dual perspectives, but it was necessary and perfect here. Loved it.
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Sometimes the dual perspective really works! I am glad that you loved it, too!
This sounds like it will be a very interesting book to read. Thrillers are my favorite type of book to read.
It is a great thriller! Thanks for stopping by.
I just recently finished this book too and thought it was a great read. I loved how the use of the dual timelines really fleshed out each character’s personality, especially Diana’s.
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Absolutely! Diana turned out to be quite an interesting character!
I enjoyed getting to know this author and the book, mysteries/thrillers are my favorite too! Sounds like a great read for the Spring!
It is definitely one to watch for!
Sounds like one I’d enjoy! I really love mysteries, but I’m also a big fan of character-focused books.
-Lauren
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It is one that you are sure to enjoy!
This sounds like a great book.
Sounds like Diana had a lot of family secrets, thanks for the excerpt.
Sounds like a nice book
I like a good story with a twist ending.
Same!! 🙂
A good twist is always entertaining!
I agree! 🙂
Cool mom themed book.
This book sounds like a fantastic read.