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“Come in,”Ollie says to the police, and they do, sending me a quick, polite smile. A sorry smile. A smile that pierces my heart, unpicks me a little. It’s not the neighbors, that smile says. This bad news is yours.
There aren’t a lot of private communal areas in our house so Ollie guides the police to the dining room and pulls out a couple of chairs. I follow, pushing my newly folded laundry into a basket. The piles collapse into each other like tumbling buildings. The police sit on the chairs, Ollie balances on the arm of the sofa, and I remain sharply upright, stiff. Bracing.
“Firstly I need to confirm that you are relatives of Diana Goodwin—”
“Yes,”Ollie says, “she’s my mother.”
“Then I’m very sorry to inform you,” the policewoman starts, and I close my eyes because I already know what she is going to say.
My mother-in-law is dead.

*********
The Mother-in-law by Sally Hepworth is a compelling, fast paced, gripping novel that I read in one sitting!
I enjoyed the descriptive characters in this story as they all had colorful personalities which made the story lively and highly entertaining!
I was hooked from the first page to the last with plenty of clues, red herrings, and hints that had me guessing throughout as I tried to figure out how the ending would play out. I did guess the outcome correctly but I wasn't certain until it was revealed. It's always exciting when I get it right as it happens very rarely!
This is my second novel by Sally having read the mother's promise which I enjoyed a bit more than this one but it was a great read that I can highly recommend!


Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Sally Hepworth for this advanced digital copy to read and review.

This was an excellent book with a little bit to please everyone. Plenty of mystery, family relationshops, good times and bad times and sad times tinged with happiness.

This is very well-written with characters that are realistic, an intriguing plot, and good descriptions. The pacing is excellent and keeps the reader drawn in. Every character had times when I thought 'they did it' so that made the end result even more satisfying.

I was especially happy with the epilogue.

Sally Hepworth is an author I have thoroughly enjoyed reading in the past and when I saw she had a new book coming out I knew I had to get my hands on it. It did not disappoint. I devoured it in two sittings which is saying a lot from a mom with three toddlers running around. Hilderbrand was able to writing a page turner of a thriller without it being a book I couldn’t read before bed. It left me wondering throughout the whole book without ever being frightening which is a nice change from many thrillers I have enjoyed in the past. I pride myself on often figuring out what will happen before the end of the book. I changed my mind many times about what would happen at the end of the book and was still surprised at the end! Five stars definitely!

The Mother-In-Law was my introduction to Sally Hepworths writing and I wouldn't hesitate to try other titles in her backlog. Whilst this novel had the feel of women's fiction it contained an element of suspense. The story she spun was interesting, her characters engaging and they had just enough layering that I truly didn't know if one or more of them were guilty, unreliable narrators or innocent so I was kept guessing all the way to the end.

The story was told through alternate narrators - primarily Lucy - with Diana her mother-in-law being the main voice of the past. In the very first paragraph of the book the police arrive to notify Lucy and her husband Ollie that Diana is dead. Although it initially appeared to be suicide there were some suspicious circumstances and it was soon deemed homicide. As the story was gradually unravelled we came to know the entire family; Diana and her husband Tom, their two children Ollie and Nettie, and their respective spouses Lucy and Patrick. Each time the perspective changed the pendulum swung and in my mind suspicions were cast upon almost every character. Each had what could conceivably be considered sufficient motive to have had a hand in Diana's death. Regular readers of the murder mystery genre might have picked up on the clues early but for me big reveal was something of a surprise.

Touching upon all kinds of themes including supportive parenting versus tough love, unplanned pregnancy and fertility issues, wealth, financial difficulties, grief, assisted suicide and so much more this book was a most enjoyable reading experience. My thanks to the publishers Pan MacMillan Australia and NetGalley for the opportunity of reading this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review which it was my pleasure to provide.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Sally Hepworth for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advance copy.

Lucy’s mother died when she was young and although she had a loving father, she missed those things that only a mother could provide. When she fell in love with Ollie, she had high expectations for a “best friends” relationship with his mother. She was hoping Diana would fill in and become the mother she never had. As you can surmise, that was not the case. But when Diana dies, the police soon discover that her suicide might just be a cover for murder. Who wanted Diana dead?

I have the amazing fortune of having not one but two mother-in-laws. I know, right? #soblessed. Ya, maybe not so much. Honestly, I have a wonderful stepmother-in-law and am really grateful for her. She has been wonderful and has gone above and beyond for me and my kids. So part of me was hoping for this read to have a vicious mother-in-law, one who I could get on board hating and having her murdered, perhaps, by her daughter-in-law. Nothing like living vicariously through characters in a book! I wanted witty repartee, a husband caught in the middle, maybe a sly woman that whispers nasty comments when no one is looking, driving the daughter-in-law slowly crazy. Ya, that didn’t happen.

Told in alternating perspectives between Lucy and Diana, it switches from past to present. If you don’t want a huge spoiler, don’t read the names of the chapters - ucchh what a way to ruin the ending. Lucy is soft, sweet and insecure, and realistically, no one could have filled her naive expectations. Diana, by contrast, is tough and comes from the school of hard knocks. She has no respect for Lucy because Lucy can’t do anything herself. But this really isn’t a battle between mother and daughter-in-laws. Diana treats everyone equally, including her own children. She is who she is. She doesn’t want to give unfair advantages to her children, she wants them to be strong and stand on their own two feet. The same goes for Lucy. Diana feels Lucy has a privileged life, being a stay at home mother and Lucy can’t get it together. But she isn’t any meaner toward her than anyone else. They are both at fault for not communicating with each other, accepting each other for who they are and not one of them will utter so much as a “Thank You”. But as far as a nightmare of a mother-in-law, Diana doesn’t even rate. I have read, seen and experienced worse.

For me, the characters were awful. I couldn’t relate to any of them. What a bunch of weak, one dimensional, cardboard cutouts. Diana’s husband, Tom, is like the fool who just wants to be liked by everyone, constantly going behind his wife’s back and not caring how his actions affect anyone else’s relationships. Ollie, Lucy’s husband, can’t be honest with his own wife and is so stupid he doesn’t even know when someone is stealing from him. I could go on, but I’d rather not. I didn’t like anybody that much that I care to rehash them here. The mystery part of the novel didn’t work for me either. There was no suspense, no build up, no wondering who did it, it just was and then it was over. So a bunch of spoiled brats, who didn’t inherit a bunch of money they were waiting for and then it was over. At least it was a short novel.
Sorry, not for me.

This book really brought me out of a reading slump. I loved all the twists and turns. The mother in law/ daughter in law relationship is such a tricky one and I found myself rooting for them both. Five stars.

I absolutely loved this book. I read it in just one day - could NOT put it down! Definitely one of my favorites this year so far. Highly recommend, especially if you enjoyed Everything I Never Told You, The Woman in the Window, or The Dry.

I loved this family drama!! I normally take a star away for a dual timelinebut then she made me cry so I gave it back 😀
Oh Diana!! My kindred spirit!! I read a few reviews that didn’t like her, I would guess those readers are liberals so I will not argue how Diana is such a wonderful character because they won’t get it. I was literally saying “Yaaas!” While reading Diana’s chapters! I actually don’t think I have connected with a character so strongly in years. Could be because I’m a little bit of a misunderstood bitch myself. I also had a very hard start, and my husband and I had to work very hard for everything we have, no welfare or handouts for us, and I raised my kids to be very independent adults as well so i really got her.


Highly recommend!

I received a free copy from NetGalley. The present is told by the daughter-in-law about the death of her mother-in-law and how awful she was. The past is told by the mother-in-law who doesn't mean to be awful and is just trying to do what she thinks is best for her children based on her history that the kids and their spouses know knowing about. Interesting twists and turns it is worth the read and would make a great beach book for summer.

How easy it is for us to judge a book (or person) by its cover. This book completely surprised me. It is by no means the mystery I thought I was diving into (think Monster in Law but with a shocking murder twist), but more of a gripping domestic/family drama.

The story is told from two alternating POVs and moves back and forth between the past and the present in such a way that it connects the storyline effortlessly and moves the plot along quite smoothly. And the character development in this one was beyond exquisite!

This is my first Sally Hepworth novel, but it certainly won't be the last.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest opinion.

Five Reasons to read The Mother-in-Law, no matter if you love or hate your own MIL.⁣
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1. You know the phrase, “There are two sides to every story”? This novel perfectly portrays that phrase. Lucy is not the daughter-in-law Diana would have chosen for her son, and Diana is not the mother-in-law Lucy had anticipated. They just can’t seem to get on the same page, and are constantly disappointing one another.⁣
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2. If you like alternating POV, in a past and present timeline, this book executes the toggle perfectly. Through before, after, together, apart chapters we piece together how the relationship between Diana and Lucy became what it is at the time of Diana’s death.⁣
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3. The family drama and character relationships are so real, and I found myself relating to not only Lucy, but also Diana the MIL. I loved the depth that each character had and how as we unpacked their baggage both characters really had so much to offer one another- they just couldn’t see it! I had a special love for Diana and her philanthropist ways.⁣
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4. There is an air of suspense as we uncover discoveries about Diana’s death and what led to it. This added element turned this novel into a mystery for me as I tried to figure out if we were looking at a suicide, murder, or natural death.⁣
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5. The jaw dropping discovery at the end leaves the reader questioning, but also in a place of contentment.⁣
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I give this novel 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I absolutely loved it. Thank you @stmartinspress for my egalley.

This book was not what I expected from the title. It is about the family dynamic and also the relationship between the mother and daughter in law. What I really liked about this book is that we are given the perspective from both characters and you get to understand Diana (the mother in law) from her backstory and her view of her family. This book kept me wanting more. It was a quick read and I'd definitely read another book by Sally Hepworth.

I’ve just finished this highly satisfying new title by Sally Hepworth. She’s been on my radar for some time but this was the first book of hers I’ve read.

What a roller coaster! Not what I was expecting at all. The domestic suspense genre is so popular right now and there is no shortage of crazy flight attendant girlfriends or psychopathic wives who commit heinous acts...

...Which is why this book really stands out!

Lucy and her mother in law Diana have a tense relationship. She’s always wanted a mother figure but Diana has always been guarded and distant. Even having grandchildren hasn’t warmed her up.

Diana has a comfortable life thanks to her dear husband Tom (probably my favorite character) but she has a past that she can’t forget. Despite her aloofness, she is quite devoted to her charities and her children Ollie and Nettie.

The chapters alternate from past to present and from Diana and Lucy’s perspectives. When something tragic happens, we begin to piece together a darker story.

Many of the shock and awe, hyped books in this genre are so over the top and convoluted that the main goal seems to confuse and mislead. This book was exciting and kept me guessing. The characters were realistic and complex. The pacing and build up was just perfect. When the secrets are revealed, it was not at all what I was thinking. But it was believable and intelligent and savvy.

Bravo!

The first time Lucy met her mother-in-law, Diana, things did not go exactly as planned. Lucy was kind of shocked with how bad it really went. Diana didn’t hide the fact that Lucy is not the person for her son, Ollie. As time goes along, their relationship gets more complicated. Then, Diana dies under mysterious circumstances.

Lucy is a character I enjoy. She tries hard not to ruffle feathers and to keep the peace, even though it is difficult to do in many situations. Diana is not actually a nice person and this leads to many misunderstandings and miscommunications. This can really wreak havoc on a marriage plus, this puts Ollie in some bad spots.

The story took me a while to get into. It has a very slow start. It does get better as you go along. But, it is a struggle in the beginning. This is a twisted tale about family and all the hurts AND joys that come with it. But the best part is the unexpected twist at the end. Who, if anyone, killed Diana? Why did she change her will? Hmmmm….must read it to find out!

4.5 stars..thanks to St.Martin Press and Netgalley for this ARC. I liked Diana from the start, I thought her point of view was on point when it comes to her children and her motivations were validated considering her background.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.

Mother-in-laws are a hot topic. It seems like people either love theirs or hate them. Hepworth constructs a complicated relationship between Diana, the MIL, and Lucy, the daughter-in-law. This book does show both characters point-of-view, which is the reason that I loved this book. While I was biased against Diana at first, once I read her POV, i started to understand some of her motivations.

Still, Diana was what my ideal MIL would be like, but I like how she comes across as a real person in this book. Her intentions are good, but sometimes the communication is lost. I think that good communication is vital in this type of relationship, and that is where Diana and Lucy seemed to struggle.

There is also a mystery happening in this book to figure out what happened to Diana. The story is told from the beginning to the present of Diana and Lucy’s relationship. I liked how I thought I had the ending figured out, but I was wrong.

A Twisty Surprising Mystery

Perspective can be so important! Told from the two POVs of the eager to please daughter-in-law and the titular mother-in-law the story evolved into so much more that a simple murder mystery widening the story with unexpected twists and turns right up until the ending. Things are definitely not as the two main characters assume. After reading this book, I immediately had to go back to review events from a new light. A fascinating and intriguing read!

Thank you to Netgalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

When Lucy’s mother-in-law is found dead of what seems to be a suicide, the family is shaken. But things get complicated when an act that has to be treated as a homicide as a matter of routine turns into more than routine: The police are taking the investigation seriously. And Lucy’s long relationship with Diana was thorny. Diana never was warm and welcoming to her daughter-in-law, and Lucy struggled with that.

Over the course of The Mother-in-Law, the story goes back and forth between the present and the past, between the points of view of both Diana and Lucy. Diana comes across as prickly and unable to connect, but she is revered by all as a strong woman who gives most of her time and resources to the cause of refugee women who are pregnant and in dire need of help.

But it’s not just Lucy who has reason to be a suspect. Everyone in the family has something to hide, some reason to resent Diana. And those motivations are revealed bit by bit as the story moves along, pieced together at a perfect pace by author Sally Hepworth.

The book is a murder mystery on one level, but it’s more about family dynamics and the expectations of women in general, of mothers and daughters, of how tricky it can be to navigate relationships that are created by marriage. As one character concludes, men don’t seem to have any issues connecting with in-laws; it’s the women who do. But that may be because they care so much. Lucy cares a great deal about connecting with Diana, and Diana cares as well. But somehow it just doesn’t click the way they would hope. And as the murder mystery is resolved at the end, the story ends up on a poignant note as well. I enjoyed the whole thing.

I enjoyed this domestic thriller. This is the first book I've read by this author. The mellow tone to it engaged me, that I could have read this book in one sitting. I liked that the book bounced from past to present which provided the reasons as to why each POV is the way they are at the end. We have Lucy who wants to have a good relationship with her mother in law Diana. However, Diana is a stern woman and doesn't have any qualms in speaking her mind even though it might hurt someones feelings. As we jump back and forth in time lines we discover that Diana is not the person that everyone things she is. She had to struggle and work hard to get financially stable and wealthy and felt that everyone needed to work hard to get what they wanted out of life. I was emotionally invested in every character wishing that if Diana would have communicated better with her children and loosen up a bit there would have been a better outcome. I liked the ending but it was a little predictable. I will surely be looking forward in reading Sally Hepworth backlisted books and future releases.

I would like to thank the author, NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC.

At first glance, I thought this novel would be similar to other stories I’ve read about dysfunctinal relationships between family members, that aren’t necessarily as it seems. Sally Hepworth does an amazing job of making you believe that Lucy’s mother in law is cold and unfeeling, but as the novel unfolds with both Lucy and Diana’s point of views, the reader begins to see that it was all just a misunderstanding between them. However, this is still a psychological thriller so it starts off with a Diana’s death. At first, it appears to be a suicide as the note beside her states she no longer has the strength to fight the cancer riddling her body, but the reality is, Diana doesn’t have cancer. So how did Diana die? And who is responsible for her death?

I was pretty hooked on this from the start and couldn’t put it down all weekend. This novel really stood out for me, and was a breath of fresh air in a pretty repetitive genre. There are a number of characters and suspects, as well as the dual point of views, which can be confusing by Sally Hepworth manages to create an easy to follow novel, that doesn’t compromise on quality.