Mrs. Wiggins

By: Mary Monroe

Narrated by: Shari Peele

Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's Summary

Reminiscent of her captivating, scandalous Mama Ruby series, New York Times best-selling author Mary Monroe crafts a story set in the Deep South during the Depression, in this tale of a woman determined to have a respectable life - no matter what it costs to keep it....

The daughter of a prostitute mother and an alcoholic father, Maggie Franklin knew her only way out was to marry someone upstanding and church-going. Someone like Hubert Wiggins, the most eligible man in Lexington, Alabama - and the son of its most revered preacher. Proper and prosperous, Hubert is glad to finally have a wife, even one with Maggie's background. For Hubert has a secret he desperately needs to stay hidden. And Maggie's unexpected charm, elegance, and religious devotion makes her the perfect partner in lies....

Their surprising union makes the Wiggins the town's most envied couple - complete with a son, Claude, whom Maggie idolizes. Until he falls in love with the worst possible fiancee. Terrified, Maggie won't let Daisy destroy her son. And when her employer's brother sexually harasses her, Maggie knows something needs to be done about him as well. In fact, she realizes there are an awful lot of sinning "disruptive" people who should be eliminated from her perfect world....

But the more Maggie tries to take control, the more obstacles are thrown in her way. And when it seems like the one person she always expected to be there is starting to drift away, Maggie will play one final, merciless game to secure what she's fought so hard to earn....

©2021 Mary Monroe (P)2021 Recorded Books

Really enjoyed

This was classic writing for the author! It kinda pit me in the mind of one of her series in the beginning but after listening for a whole, I had to hang on for the ride! Twists and plots to all get out. I was bummed when it ended. I loved how all the characters were portrayed and the family involvement. I can't wait to read her next work.

Wow! Quite an intereting journey

Quite an interesting read. From the very beginning, the reader is introduced to the major conflict the characters face.
However the author tediously developed each character so the reader became intimately engaged in the storyline. I was impressed as to way the author described the complexity of African American social culture of the early 1900's. Tolerating segregation, small, close community life, Black sterotypes, pressures of Black cultural mores--were all described accurately,, sensitively and realistically in the story. Well into the book, the author begins to unravel the "real" Mrs. Maggie Wiggins and, frankly, I was cativated by her. The author described (through Maggie) the strength and courage of Black women and what they oftentimes had to do in order to survive. She rendered both the joy and pain of Black women struggling to make the most of their lives and the preservation of family in the Black community. Undoubtedly, Maggie was motivated by love and (as she described) self-preservation while she also worked hard to preserve her family's social "image". As the reader, I felt that Maggie would eventually lose the "love of her life", and although I was suprised, I was not really shocked at how she ultimately lost that "love". The narrator was skilled in differentiating characters which I appreciated. I would encourage anyone who enjoys reading about cultural norms and mores, family relationships and struggles in the 1916-1939 Black community to read this book, I enjoyed it; I found it to be quite a moving story,

Starts slow and builds up

Mary Monroe has written another page-turner! This is another book written in the spirit of Mama Ruby, and the God Series, etc. Relatable characters who slowly reveal themselves. What a surprise ending!

Mary has done it again!!!

Mrs Wiggins was a good person, she juat made some bad choices. This book was good from the beginning to the very end, I wish there was more to it, I'm looking forward to Mary's next work of art.

Good book, shocked by the ending

Mary Monroe is amazing. Her characters are lovable. I always become invested in the characters and so engaged in the book that I feel like I know them. I enjoyed as I do most everything that she writes.

Not typical

Not realistic. Book had highs and lows. Flighty. Decisions made by mom left you with something to think about. Not as good as her other books. Didn’t like the ending. Too much left in open. No closure.

Amazing book! Mrs. Monroe never disappoints

Best book I’ve read in a long time. Full of drama, twists and turns. If you want a book that will keep you on your feet… read it! Mrs. Monroe NEVER disappoints!

Kept me wanting more!

This story kept me wanting more and more. Very good right to the end.

Good Story-Plot twists-listened in 2 days

It’s a good story with plot twists. The short chapters keep you listening for more. It’s turns dark similar to Desperate Housewives tone. I wish it had a epilogue from Hubert’s perspective. The narrating wasn’t the best, as you were not always able to distinguish what character was speaking and you could tell the areas that had to be re-recorded. But all over good read!!

Beware of the Gumbo

I enjoyed this novel immensely. The character building for me was complete. I could see it playing in my head like a movie. It also reminded me of the tremendous difficulties women of color endured and continue to endure. I use to eat gumbo all of the time growing up. I'd think twice about it now!