The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives Book Club Questions
10 discussion questions for The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives by Elizabeth Arnott.
October 18, 2026
Spoiler warning: some questions touch on how the book ends. Best read after you've finished it.
Discussion questions
- What were your initial impressions of Beverley, Elsie, and Margot, and how did they change throughout the book?
- How do you think the 1960s California setting influenced the characters' actions and the story's events?
- Was Beverley right to continue her friendship with Elsie and Margot despite knowing their husbands' pasts?
- Discuss Elsie's decision to involve herself in the investigation. Was it more about justice, curiosity, or something else?
- How did Margot's background and experiences shape her approach to the ongoing murders?
- Which scene did you find to be the most pivotal in the women's investigation, and why?
- Do you think the neighborhood gossip and scrutiny helped or hindered the women's quest for truth?
- How does the author use the narrative structure to build suspense and reveal critical information?
- Can you relate to the women's struggle to redefine their lives beyond their husbands? Share any personal experiences.
- Were you satisfied with the ending and how the mystery was resolved, or did you feel there were loose ends?
These questions were drafted with AI help for book clubs using Lapwing.
Reading The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives with your book club?
Lapwing keeps your club's reading list, votes and meeting dates in one place, free. Members pick the dates that suit them, and the book everyone wants rises to the top.
Start your book club