Staff Review
Three Single Wives
By Gina Lamanna
Release Date: October 21, 2020
Ebook Available from WV Reads!
3 Stars - Prior to this book, I'd only read a few of Lamanna's cozier, funnier mysteries. And I was pleased to find her crisp writing style translated well to domestic thrillers. The group of women the story centers on are probably relatable more than likable. From the opening scene to the foreshadowing trial transcripts there's this book has powerful levels of intrigue from the get-go.
The book starts out with sharp contrasts and descriptions of Eliza, Anne, Olivia, and Penny's lives. While I had an accurate picture of their roles and homes, I could have liked seeing a bit more personality. Eliza was like an onion with layers and layers. Penny was sympathetic but a a bit too naive. Anne and Olivia were tough to figure out for me. Lamanna uses a broken up timeline and point of view that really grabbed me but might be confusing for a distracted reader. I saw shades of classic murder mysteries like those by Agatha Christie and John D MacDonald. There were plenty of twists and dark motives. But it's hard to specify without spoilers.
One trait of domestic thrillers that I applaud is central female characters. And they aren't all the same adorable, sweater wearing, plucky heroines. But often the author seems to scrub them of casual traits for a mysterious effect. These women are constantly and exhaustively questioning themselves. Eliza putting cheap shampoo into expensive brand bottles in her own shower? Anne gets zero enjoyment out of mothering four children? I understand that one of the traits of the genre is to break down the family unit and create a sense of unease. And that doesn't fit with rainbows and unicorns but confidence out of the heroine(s) would be refreshing. This plot has a little of everything but I'm keeping it vague. It's got pregnancies, stolen money, and courtroom drama. The breathless pace toward the end is enthralling but may be tiring for some.
(NS)
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