To Mia Freedman and Kena Roach, my early readers and advice givers.

To Mum, for always gleefully pointing out when I’m (confidently) using a word incorrectly – there will never be enough time to absorb your English language pedantry, but our heated discussions about whether the proof is, in fact, in the pudding will always remain among my fondest memories of us.

Finally, to my favourite bunch of weirdos – Christian, Oscar, Eloise and Clementine. Life has its challenges, but there’s one thing I know for sure: weirdos will one day take their rightful place on the throne. Bide your time and when the opportunity presents, don’t hesitate. While you’re waiting, go read a book.

Author’s note

In this novel, you’ll meet a character by the name of Heather Wisher. Heather Wisher is, in fact, the name of a real person – specifically, the winner of my Instagram competition to have a book character named after yourself. I want to be clear that while I used Heather’s name, the character of Heather Wisher as created in The Younger Wife is entirely fictional and not representative of her real-life namesake. (Unless there are any flattering comparisons that Heather would like to draw, in which case, she definitely inspired those parts.)

About the Author

Sally Hepworth is the New York Times bestselling author of six novels, most recently The Good Sister, which was an instant bestseller.

Drawing on the good, the bad and the downright odd of human behaviour, Sally writes incisively about family, relationships and identity. Her domestic thriller novels are laced with quirky humour, sass and a darkly charming tone. They are available worldwide in English and have been translated into 20 languages.

Sally lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, three children and one adorable dog.

Also by Sally Hepworth

The Secrets of Midwives

The Things We Keep

The Mother’s Promise

The Family Next Door

The Mother-in-Law

The Good Sister

MORE BESTSELLING TITLES FROM SALLY HEPWORTH

The Family Next Door

Do you ever really know your neighbours?

The safest suburbs often hold the deepest secrets. Such is the case for Essie, a mother of two. In a moment of maternal despair she once made a terrible mistake, one she will always regret. Essie has since recovered, but she fears what may still lurk inside her.

Her neighbours in Pleasant Court have their own issues. Driven and organised, Ange appears to have everything under control, except perhaps her husband. Practical, intellectual Fran can’t stop running. For exercise, or something else?

One day in February, during an unprecedented Melbourne heatwave, someone new arrives. Isabelle is single and childless, when everyone else is married with kids. She is renting, when everyone else owns. Her job is mysteriously vague. Strangest of all, Isabelle is very curious about her neighbours. Too curious, some might say.

It soon becomes clear that Isabelle’s choice of neighbourhood was no accident. And her presence might bring even more secrets to light . . .

The Mother-in-Law

Someone once told me that you have two families in your life – the one you are born into and the one you choose. Yes, you may get to choose your partner, but you don’t choose your mother-in-law. The cackling mercenaries of fate determine it all.