The Mother-in-Law
by
Sally Hepworth
I really enjoyed The Mother-in-Law, an engaging family drama about money and secrets and a look at how adult children deal with problems. Set in Australia, the story opens with Lucy Goodwin, a stay-at-home mom with three children and her husband, Ollie. From the beginning, Lucy has never had a close relationship with her mother-in-law, Diana, who is cold and controlling, especially when it comes to the family’s vast fortune. And Diana has made it clear that Lucy doesn’t measure up. She’s also hard on Ollie and his sister, Nettie, denying them loans that would help them in their adult lives. She frequently points to the struggling women refugees she helps with her charity, her life’s passion. In contrast, Diana’s husband, Tom is friendly and generous, and has secretly loaned Ollie and Nettie money, setting up a complicated family dynamic.
When police discover Diana Goodwin’s body, the evidence suggests that she took her own life. Her family tells detectives that Diana, newly widowed, had breast cancer. But investigators think there’s more to the story.
In alternating chapters that jump between past and present, readers learn more about Lucy and Diana and begin to understand why Diana feels so strongly about withholding money from her children. After she denies Ollie a loan, Diana tells her husband, “I think Ollie could do with being a little hungry. A little hunger is good for young people.” She reminds Tom, “It was the making of you.” Readers also learn more about how the adult children regard their future inheritances and how the family relates to each other.
Despite its 340 pages, this is the type of book you can finish quickly because of its interesting storyline and characters. I especially liked seeing how the relationship between Diana and Lucy changes, offering an insight into how seemingly opposing characters are more connected than they realize.
I was less satisfied by the tie-up at the finish and how the big reveal omitted details about the investigation and its resolution. I think this book fits better in the women’s fiction and family drama genres and is less of a thriller or mystery. A couple grammar problems (the old “between he and I” mistake) detracted from its polish, which was otherwise excellent. I would definitely read another book by Sally Hepworth.
Thanks for visiting – come back soon!
Thanks for the suggestion. The “he and I” error should have been picked up by good editing. Too bad as poor grammar (unless intentional) can really detract.
Hi Lynette – the only thing I could think of is that maybe it’s a grammar different rule in Australia? Something tells me not, though. Thanks for stopping by!
I don’t think so, either.
It sounds like an awesome book aside from the wrap-up ending and the grammar niggles. It’s also the perfect book to review on Mother’s Day.:-)
Thanks Priscilla – total coincidence with the Mother’s Day timing- haha!
What a timely title!
Happy Mother’s Day to you, Barbara.
Hi Marian – it was a complete coincidence but I was happy with the timing! Hope you had a nice Mother’s Day 🙂
It did make me think long and hard about my relationship with my own mother-in-law 🙂 Great review! Happy Mother’s Day!
Yes, it’s a tricky relationship!
Thanks for the review, Barbara. This sounds good. Happy Mother’s Day!
Hi Jill – I enjoyed it! Saw your video of your mom – that was sweet!
Hi, Barb – I greatly admire your review style — positive but honest. You always give me a good sense of what books I would like to read, and which ones I would better off miss. Thank you so much for doing this for us.
Sounds like an intriguing plot. How fitting that you posted a review of this book on Mother’s Day, ha.
Haha – it was a complete coincidence, but I’m glad it worked out. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Terrific review! I’ve read a bunch of this author’s books, and she always manages to right twisty stories that keep me reading straight through! I actually don’t remember a lot of the details about this book (although your review brings it back), but I do remember making assumptions and then having to re-think them as the story progressed, which is a reading experience I really appreciate!
Hi Lisa – I think I will definitely read more books by Sally Hepworth. We had our Whodunits Zoom yesterday and one of the attendees said that Hepworth has 6 children – one for each book! I was thoroughly entertained. Thanks for reading and commenting 🙂
Good and thorough review. The snippets–I find myself not disagreeing with Diana on her philosophy if not her delivery so the book is intriguing. Thanks for sharing!
HI Jacqui – I also related to her philosphy but agree that her delivery was too harsh. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Which I don’t mind. I like a difference of opinion!
Same here!
Hi your review was enjoyable and the part that you chose to share about the money and when to give children (the point about them needing to be hungry) well that topic is one I have pondered a few times! There is truly a situational approach to it – to where giving adult children money can rescue and provide relief or a bit of help – or could ruin or pull from helpful angst.
Hmmm – and I have seen older adult children get inheritances and then they get into a funk –
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Anyhow – seems like a lot of familial themes were integrated here
Hello Prior – yes, the whole issue of bailing out or over-supporting children – I found that super interesting. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
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This is a book I would love, Barbara. Thanks for sharing about it.
Hi Robbie – yes it was both entertaining and thought-provoking. Thanks for reading and commenting!