Stop At Nothing: The Woman From Book Club By Carrie Hughes

I have often wondered where ‘The Book Club’ originated. It seems (I think) to be a predominantly female affair. From what I’ve heard, some groups are very serious and engage in rigorous debates about ‘this week’s choice’; some are more gossip-fests where the wine flows freely and local scandal is shared. I have known the wicked woman who deliberately upsets the apple cart when it’s their turn to suggest a title, by opting for something more salacious or divisive, just to provoke a reaction, but mostly, I believe ‘The Book Club’ is a gathering of like-minded friends and acquaintances who enjoy shared discussion in a convivial and safe environment.

So, the title of this novel appealed, the blurb tantalized and the Prologue did not let me down. The ladies were discussing why we read particular books and I especially like the notion that reading is ‘like catching up with an old friend’. I also like the way they pondered the question: do you choose a book or does the book, more mysteriously, choose you, providing what you need at the time? Philosophy with a touch of psychobabble. Events are interrupted, somewhat dramatically, however, when the police arrive and arrest one member of the book club for the murder of her husband. By the end of the Prologue, the reader understands the need to determine who is responsible for the death of Elliot Morland. Is it the wife, the girlfriend or a combination of the two?

Chapter One takes us back six weeks and introduces the man-eater, Lydia, who is on ‘a quest to score a rich husband’. We also get to know Elliot’s wife, Emma, the stay-at-home mum of twin teenage girls who has given up any hope of a career for the sake of her husband, her girls and the beautiful home they live in. The narrative then steers the reader through the events of the next few weeks.

The characters are real and it is easy to step into their world – as an observer at least.As Lydia is introduced to the ladies of the book club, we also meet the rest of a rather disparate cast who ‘bond over books.’ It’s an interesting gathering of characters on a lavish stage, since for some of the women at least, money is no object. It’s certainly ‘game on’ for Lydia as she decides to ‘zero in’ on Elliot, a wealthy, good looking, highly successful divorce lawyer who would make a great catch and who, she thinks, must be bored with his mumsy wife. The women quickly identify Lydia as ‘trouble with a capital T’ – and she is – but she is also not that easy to get rid of. Her Machiavellian attempts to lure Elliot into her clutches are inspirational as she takes scheming to a whole new level and there follows a psychological battle of wills which sees Lydia and Emma fight to the death – Elliot’s death – and beyond. Be prepared for a roller coaster ride. You may have to decide whose side you’re on. Lydia doesn’t want much, just something she has never had, ‘some one to take care of me …and a life of luxury’ and she is prepared to go to any lengths to achieve it.

I also like the way they pondered the question: do you choose a book or does the book, more mysteriously, choose you, providing what you need at the time? Philosophy with a touch of psychobabble.It seems Emma’s life, meanwhile, quickly spirals out of control when she is forced, somewhat dramatically, to leave her home, but she has her book club friends as well as a loyal twin sister. We learn ‘the real story’ behind all the events being played out, however, and it is truly an unexpected and devious twist. Emma finds her strength and never gives up on her girls even though the web of deceit becomes increasingly tangled and remains so until the very last page.

This novel took just two days to read which says it all. The characters are real and it is easy to step into their world – as an observer at least. The narrative is shared in various ways; through Emma’s journal, Lydia’s first-hand account and police interview transcripts. It’s an intriguing psychological battle and hard to predict who might be the ultimate victor and whether, at the end, justice has really been done.


The Woman from Book Club is published by Hera