The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress

A Novel

By: Ariel Lawhon

Narrated by: Ann Marie Lee, Mark Bramhall, Ariel Lawhon

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Frozen River, this “genuinely surprising whodunit” (USA Today) reimagines the tantalizing suspense surrounding a scandalous murder mystery that rocked the nation.

“This book is more meticulously choreographed than a chorus line. It all pays off.”—The New York Times Book Review

One summer night in 1930, Judge Joseph Crater steps into a New York City cab and is never heard from again. Behind this great man are three women, each with her own tale to tell: Stella, his fashionable wife, the picture of propriety; Maria, their steadfast maid, indebted to the judge; and Ritzi, his showgirl mistress, willing to seize any chance to break out of the chorus line.

As the twisted truth emerges, Ariel Lawhon’s wickedly entertaining debut mystery transports us into the smoky jazz clubs, seedy backstage dressing rooms, and shadowy streets beneath the Art Deco skyline.

It’s ok

I tried to follow story and started to like it but am confused with the ending and feel I’m left hanging. The narration was ok - her voice is beautiful but had a hard time figuring out which characters were talking as not much different.

Fabulous Story!

Murder, intrigue, romance depicting 1930s America in New York City. I had a hard time walking away from the book. A must read.

What an Incredible Novel!

Lawhon delivers a dazzling story of the politically powerful elite, the lifestyles of Broadway showgirls, and gangsters that controlled both in the 1930s. This fascinating novel will hold you in its grips long after you read the last page.

Excellent novel

This is a fascinating twisty turvy story about a true scandal in history in the new government / gangster time of the 1930s , well written and executed/ performed extremely well. I highly recommend the book

Suspense

Lots of suspense. I liked it a lot. Good plot, believable characters. Interesting to hear a prohibition story too.