Check out our interview with Elizabeth Arnott who wrote "The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives."
What was your inspiration behind your most recent book?
I’ve always been fascinated by true crime, and specifically the psychology of murderers. Even 20 years ago, I wrote my university dissertation on serial killers – true crime wasn’t really a ‘thing’ back then, so my tutor was a bit worried and made me promise (in writing!) not to contact any murderers in prison.
More recently, I’ve found myself drawn to stories of those who find themselves swept into the orbit of dangerous men. The wives, the daughters, the sisters; those forgotten victims of violent crime, who find themselves part of the narrative through no fault of their own.
They are often so overlooked and completely misunderstood. I wanted to see what stories they would tell if they were given a chance to talk.
What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?
For me, it means approaching everything we read with joy, an open heart and an open mind. It also means removing the word ‘shame’ from our reading vocabulary. Some genres receive an unfair level of judgement and are seen, by some, to be less ‘worthy’ than others. I think that’s utter, utter rubbish. Every book is valuable.
Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?
Quite simply because it provides a more rich, interesting and gratifying representation of the world. Variety truly is the spice of life, and it certainly makes for a more satisfying reading experience. Books should reflect our own lives back at us, while also being thought-provoking, entertaining and even comforting. I want people to feel a reassuring sense of familiarity when they read my books – I want them to feel represented and welcome. We are a beautiful and varied society. Books should be too.
Tell us a little more about the book and why you decided to write it?
"The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives" is a sun-soaked 1960s mystery with three surprising leading heroines. Beverley, Elsie and Margot couldn’t be more different, but they have been brought together by a shared, unwanted secret – they are all ex-wives of serial killers. When a fresh string of murders hits their pretty, white-picket-fenced Californian suburb, the three get to work. Because although they may be overlooked, underestimate and sometimes even blamed for their husbands’ crimes, who better to catch a killer than those who have shared a bed, and a life, with one?
I wanted this book to shine a light on the aftermath of violent crime, and what women can be left to deal with once the ‘horror’ has passed – public scrutiny, lingering stigma, shame by association and private guilt. It was a book that I felt needed to be written.
What can fans expect from your book?
A vibrant ‘60s aesthetic – big hair, kohl-lined eyes, classic cars and Hollywood glamour; a thoughtful exploration of female friendship and resilience, and a gripping crime story!
What's up next for you in the bookish world?
Chatting about The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives is keeping me very busy – it’s been so lovely to see the response from readers and to witness how Beverley, Elsie and Margot are finding their way into people’s hearts. When I have the time though, I’m working on a top-secret upcoming project. More on that in due course!
