Book Review: The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth

I love a good puzzle and a murder mystery usually fits that bill. This murder mystery was indeed a puzzle, but not especially satisfying for this reader. Diana, the mother-in-law and Lucy, the daughter-in-law, the two main characters, did not like each other from their very first meeting. Preconceived notions and expectation of their roles prevented them from softening and understanding one another. Diana, a wealthy and privileged woman in a solid marriage. Lucy, was young and just engaged to Diana’s eldest child, Oliver (Ollie). Set within the bounds of a family and all their secrets, the clearest character development was for Diana and for Lucy. Character development could have been improved for other family members, however this lack did not distract from the story. There were several possibilities of who the murderer was, however, I was wrong on all counts, giving me a surprise at the end.

The Mother-In-Law was a relatively easy read with short chapters. As the story moved forward, the previous lives of Diana and of Lucy were revealed, suggesting how their present behaviour was related to their past experience. Some areas of the story were not to my liking. The first was the formatting of the book. For this reader, there was too much back and forth - from Lucy and then Diana; and from past to present. Although the chapters had clear headings indicating which character was speaking and which time period they were in, I found this too distracting for my taste. In book group discussion last evening, there were those that liked that format. As far as the final chapter, the ending was not satisfactory as there was no clear indication of what the final police report said. 

“I worked hard for everything I ever cared about, & 

nothing I ever cared about cost a single cent.- Mum”

~ Sally Hepworth, The Mother-In-Law

Sally Hepworth’s previously authored books:

The Family Next Door

The Mother’s Promise

The Things We Keep

The Secrets of Midwives 

Author: Sally Hepworth

Copyright:  2019

Publisher: St.Martin’s Press

Type: Domestic Fiction (LCSH), Mystery Fiction (GSAFD)

Format:Hard Cover

LCCN: 2018046838

ISBN: 9781250120922 (hardcover)

ISBN: 9781250225177 (International, sold outside the U.S.

ISBN: 9781250120946 (ebook)