50 pages • 1 hour read
The Mother-in-Law
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Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
Melbourne, Australia • Contemporary
2019
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth chronicles Lucy Goodwin’s struggle to uncover the truth behind the sudden death of her mother-in-law, Diana Goodwin. Through multiple narrators and flashbacks, this crime thriller explores themes of motherhood, family dynamics, and self-discovery. As Lucy digs deeper, she must navigate the complex relationships within the wealthy Goodwin family while grappling with her own identity. This book depicts murder and discusses death by suicide.
Mysterious
Emotional
Suspenseful
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
218,184 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth engages readers with its compelling, character-driven narrative and well-crafted suspense. Praise centers on its intricate family dynamics and relatable, evolving characters. Some critique its pacing and predictability. Overall, it’s captivating for those who enjoy emotional, layered domestic thrillers.
Who Should Read The Mother-in-Law?
Readers who enjoy The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth typically appreciate domestic thrillers with intricate family dynamics, suspense, and emotional depth. Fans of Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies and B.A. Paris’s Behind Closed Doors would find this novel particularly compelling.
218,184 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Diana Goodwin
Diana Goodwin
Diana is Lucy’s mother-in-law, known for her cold demeanor and strong belief in self-reliance. She is a philanthropist committed to helping pregnant refugee women, drawing from her own challenging experiences.
Ghezala
Ghezala
Ghezala is a young refugee woman from Afghanistan who forms a significant friendship with Diana. She plays a crucial role in connecting Diana and Lucy through her shared maternal experiences with both women.
352
Novel • Fiction
Melbourne, Australia • Contemporary
2019
Adult
18+ years
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