A new author to watch

4 stars

1966 California is the setting for a fun romp with Beverley, Margot and Elsie, three women who have the distinction of once being wives to serial killers. The nostalgia is dialled right up as these three intrepid women, who could not be more different from each other if they tried, are on the hunt for a new killer. Poor young Beverley, with little ones at home, is still reeling from the notoriety of her ex-husband's crimes but cannot shake the feeling there is another mass murderer on the loose. It doesn't take much persuasion to loop Margot and Elsie into helping her investigate and find the connections between the dead girls.

This is as stylish a beach read as you are likely to find. I am drawn to women with gumption and The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives has that in spades. Margot is especially gutsy and such fun being the hard drinking voice of reason. Elsie, too, has quite a lot to offer in her role as a PA to journalists whilst desperately seeking to join their ranks. Together they bring sense to the chaos and can find information the police might lack. 

I so enjoyed this journey with them. Not only a great adventure, but there are plenty of twists in the story to keep the reader guessing. Very pleased to add Elizabeth Arnott to my list of authors to watch.