Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives by Elizabeth Arnott

A gripping period mystery about three women who solve a string of murders in their idyllic Californian neighbourhood. After all, who better to catch a killer than the women who’ve shared a life with one?

You’ve heard of the men who kill, but what about the women who loved them?

It’s a baking hot summer in 1960s California and three women have formed an unlikely friendship. Beverley, Elsie and Margot may look like they lead idyllic lives, but behind the false smiles and glittering pools lies the truth- their husbands are some of the country’s most notorious serial killers.

Amidst neighbourhood gossip and pointed fingers, the women are fighting to forge new paths for themselves. Wide-eyed Beverley is raising two young children under the long shadow of their father’s crimes. Bookish Elsie is determined to make a name for herself in the patriarchal newsroom, while Hollywood party-girl Margot has a penchant for an early morning margarita – anything to quieten the shame of her ex-husband’s deceit.

But when a string of local killings hits the news, the women – underestimated and overlooked – are hurled into an investigation of their own. After all, who better to catch a killer than those who have shared their lives with one?

About the Author: Elizabeth Arnott is an award-winning writer and journalist and has written critically acclaimed historical fiction as Lizzie Pook. Her work has featured in publications including The Sunday Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph, and National Geographic. She lives in London with her husband and their daughter.

05 Mar 2026
 

The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives by Elizabeth Arnott ISBN 9780241733639