The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress

A Novel

De: Ariel Lawhon

Narrado por: Ann Marie Lee

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.

©2014 Ariel Lawhon (P)2014 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Good crime stories don't stay buried, and Ariel Lawhon's new novel, THE WIFE, THE MAID, AND THE MISTRESS digs up the case of the so-called Missingest Man in New York and feasts on its bones … This case was an a la carte menu of the era's social hot buttons: chorus girls, speakeasies, bootleggers, Tammany Hall corruption, nattily clad gangsters and irritating rich people … Lawhon has a gift for lean banter and descriptive shorthand … But don't let Lawhon's straightforward style and narrative restraint fool you. This book is more meticulously choreographed than a chorus line. It all pays off. Clues accumulate. Each scene proves important. Everyone lies. Once the rabbit is out of the hat everything takes on a different texture, reorganizes and makes sense. A second reading, like a second cocktail, is almost better than the first."—The New York Times Book Review

"As rumors swirl about political corruption, an NYC judge disappears in 1930 without a trace. Caught in the scandal are his wife and showgirl mistress–plus his dutiful maid, whose detective husband is investigating the case. Inspired by a real-life unsolved mystery, this mesmerizing novel features characters that make a lasting impression."—People Magazine

“A gripping, fast-paced noir novel.... captures a New York City period full of high-kicking showgirls, mob-linked speakeasies and Tammany Hall political scandal.... Lawhon brings fresh intrigue to this tale, making the final outcome a guessing game for the reader as events unfold... Her version is built colorfully around many of the actual places and people who were key figures in the case... Stella, Maria and Ritzi are central to Lawhon's tale and give it a depth of emotion that is often missing from crime thrillers... the story moves forward with momentum, thanks to well-crafted scenes and fluid dialogue. Also, despite the many decades since Judge Crater went missing, the mystery of his disappearance is still a powerful magnet for its fictional retelling.”—Associated Press

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.

The surprise is unexpected

I thought the reader was quite good at the women’s voices but struggled with the men’s. That is, except for Owney Madden. Quite Liverpudlian. I was surprised so far into the story the details were still coming out. I loved the ending. It was fitting. Enjoy!!

Lost interest

To many names to keep track of for my simple mind. Maybe a good book, but I lost interest. Sorry

How the women worked together. And the love between.

It’s a great story! Sad truths of our past history in America. Wishing could change the outcome !

Visiting NYC in 1930s

Love the history, mystery and strong women characters during a time when women had little control over their own lives.

Who Knew?

Excellent read. Lots of twists and surprises throughout . Keeps you engaged until the very end as all the pieces come together.