First of all, I have to wonder if it is possible to find something in a novel about brutal murders performed by seemingly normal characters that is humorous. Does that make me a strange person? Oh well. We all have our faults. Personally, I enjoy humor even if at my expense. Once Elizabeth Arnott dredges up little facets of life around the time of this novel, I often find myself smiling. Reference to reading THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS, for example. Filter-less Lucky Strikes. Coppertone sunscreen – candidly an oxymoron. The Danny Kaye Show. Actually, I think the author put in these little anecdotal items for a reprieve from some really nasty crimes. THE SECRET LIVES OF MURDERERS' WIVES is filled with those. Armchair detectives are going to have a field day as we follow Elsie, Margot, and Beverly on their self-appointed responsibility to ferret out the bad guys.

I identify with Margot. I have no filter. So she became my favorite. If she thought it, she said it.

So we are then positioned into a world that slowly exposes danger, fear, vulnerability, and violence. Welcome to the real world, according to Elizabeth Arnott. The world of innocent victims being played and then murdered by some sick psychopath. The world where you better watch where you walk, drive, and travel because there may be a stranger danger situation. Or even worse, someone you might know. The three ladies know that feeling well. They lived with murderous husbands. The world won’t ever exonerate them from the deeds of their spouses.

Using extreme caution when doing everyday tasks. That’s what they believe is necessary for their safety. What victims of this current killer should have done. Perhaps were. And the unapologetic dismissal of the police and reporters faced with questions and facts that make their jobs uncomfortable.

The trio made this their mission. Won’t earn anything but perhaps a sense of relief that they carry out a task and collectively accomplish it. What I learned. Women are bait traps. No need for a purpose or design for the murderers. So it’s really difficult not to be a victim.

When references JFK’s murderer, Margot voices her opinion as if he is even dead. That made me laugh inappropriately since I can’t recall how often I thought that. Have you ever seen the movie Dave with Kevin Klein. Arnott’s music references, another odd element, remind us when this is all happening. Saved by the crocodile – who would even think of that?

Well, this was my first entry into the author Elizabeth Arnott and her amazing storytelling. I have issued a few nuances to the story in this review in which I studiously avoided any plot exposure that would taint the readers’ experience. Trust me, this is one you will not get until the end. You might have an inkling that we are missing something, but that is done on purpose in THE SECRET LIVES OF MURDERERS' WIVES. Enjoy.