Sally Hepworth, widely known for her sharp domestic dramas, takes a playful detour into short fiction with The Ex-Wives Club. Part of Amazon’s Alibis collection, this 80-something page mystery balances humor, family drama, and suspense, proving that even in a compact format Hepworth can spin an engaging tale.
The Setup
Celebrity chef Ian Curley, notorious for his affairs and ego, is found dead in his own walk-in freezer. The suspects? Nearly everyone in his orbit. His three ex-wives Anita, Mary-Jane, and Rosie gather every Friday night at his restaurant to drink, dine, and share war stories. His two adult children, who work at the restaurant, have reasons of their own to resent him. Add in his much younger girlfriend and a few disgruntled staff members, and the list of motives grows longer by the minute.
Detective Charlene Li is left to sort through the lies and alibis, but every suspect seems to have both a grievance and an airtight excuse. With shifting timelines between the night of the murder and the day after, the story teases out revelations piece by piece until the truth emerges.
What Works
Hepworth’s signature touch shines in her character work. Even in such a short space, Anita, Mary-Jane, and Rosie feel distinct, flawed, and oddly likable. The idea of three ex-wives sitting together in the corner booth of their philandering ex-husband’s restaurant is deliciously clever and immediately memorable. The alternating perspectives and brisk pacing give the story energy, and the prologue hooks as effectively as many full-length thrillers.
The resolution, while perhaps a bit theatrical, delivers a laugh-out-loud twist that feels fitting for the setup. Readers who enjoy witty domestic suspense with a satirical edge will find plenty to enjoy.
Where It Falters
As entertaining as it is, The Ex-Wives Club suffers slightly from its brevity. With so many characters and potential motives, the story sometimes feels like a sketch for a longer novel or even a film in the spirit of Knives Out. Some reveals land smoothly, while others feel abrupt or a little convenient. Those expecting a tightly woven thriller may find it lighter and more comedic than anticipated.
Final Thoughts
The Ex-Wives Club is not a twist-heavy psychological thriller but rather a stylish, quick domestic mystery with a satirical bite. It is best enjoyed as a one-sitting read: witty, entertaining, and just mysterious enough to satisfy. While it may not linger in your memory the way Hepworth’s novels do, it shows her range and knack for character-driven storytelling, even in short form.
Recommended for readers looking for a smart, quick escape with humor, a dash of murder, and a cast of flawed but fascinating characters.
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