The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth
The mother-in-law relationship has the reputation for being tense and strained. The latest book from Sally Hepworth, the fun and addictive The Mother-in-Law (St. Martin’s Press), is no exception.
Chapters alternate between past and present, as well as between narrators Lucy, the daughter-in law, and Diana, the mother-in-law. Diana had not envisioned her son’s wife to be anything like Lucy, so she kept their relationship distant. Lucy craved Diana’s acceptance, yet was unable to make any great strides toward a closeness over the years, despite her attempts.
We learn about Lucy’s early marriage to her husband and the growing of their family as they welcome three children. We also learn about Diana’s youth, upbringing and her early marriage to Tom, leading up to her later years.
Then there is a murder, a suicide note, a cancer diagnosis and family members with deceptive behaviors. Each chapter reveals some crucial piece of information that has us working hard to try and figure out whodunit.
Even though The Mother-in-Law is a quick read and a fun murder-mystery, Sally Hepworth is not shy about bringing up serious issues including ALS, infertility, breast cancer, infidelity and euthanasia. She dives deep when it comes to family relationships and loyalty.
The author is a master when it comes to writing dialogue which keeps the story fast-moving and engaging. So if you need a break from the rat race and want to pick up a well-written novel about people, family secrets and murder, this one is for you.
The Mother-in-Law is available for purchase.
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