The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress Audiobook By Ariel Lawhon cover art

The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress

A Novel

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The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress

By: Ariel Lawhon
Narrated by: Ann Marie Lee
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A tantalizing reimagining of a scandalous mystery that rocked the nation in 1930 - Justice Joseph Crater's infamous disappearance - as seen through the eyes of the three women who knew him best.

They say behind every great man, there's a woman. In this case, there are three. Stella Crater, the judge's wife, is the picture of propriety draped in long pearls and the latest Chanel. Ritzi, a leggy showgirl with Broadway aspirations, thinks moonlighting in the judge's bed is the quickest way off the chorus line. Maria Simon, the dutiful maid, has the judge to thank for her husband's recent promotion to detective in the NYPD. Meanwhile, Crater is equally indebted to Tammany Hall leaders and the city's most notorious gangster, Owney "The Killer" Madden.

On a sultry summer night, as rumors circulate about the judge's involvement in wide-scale political corruption, the Honorable Joseph Crater steps into a cab and disappears without a trace. Or does he?

©2014 Ariel Lawhon (P)2014 Random House Audio Hard-Boiled Historical Mystery

Critic reviews

"Lee's consistent and distinct vocalizations, complete with a variety of accents and dialects, guide listeners through this absorbing story.... Lee's careful use of emphasis and drama leaves it up to listeners to decide whom to trust." ( AudioFile)
Fascinating Twists • Dazzling Storytelling • Masterful Narration • Historical Details • Captivating Mystery
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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.

It’s ok

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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!!

The surprise is unexpected

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

Lost interest

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

How the women worked together. And the love between.

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

Visiting NYC in 1930s

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Murder, intrigue, romance depicting 1930s America in New York City. I had a hard time walking away from the book. A must read.

Fabulous Story!

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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.

What an Incredible Novel!

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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

Excellent novel

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Lots of suspense. I liked it a lot. Good plot, believable characters. Interesting to hear a prohibition story too.

Suspense

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

Who Knew?

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