Wow- I had to sit with this one for a bit before reviewing. There’s a lot to think about and process through.

This thought-provoking novel takes place in 1950’s suburbia and revolves around Lulu, her husband Henry, and their young son Wesley. It explores many themes: mental health, repression of women, misdiagnosis, grief, and loss. It was interesting (and disheartening) to read a novel that takes place in the 50’s and experience matters that, while to a lesser degree, are still applicable today.

I can’t go into any specifics about this story, as it will lead to too many spoilers. It’s a slow burn, with a little suspense and suburban neighborhood drama mixed in. Parts are heartbreaking and difficult to read, and may be triggering for some readers, as the author kindly warns in the beginning of the book. This novel will stick with you well after you read it, and would make for a good book club discussion.

*Thank you @netgalley and @sourcebooks @bookmarked for this advanced reader copy. This book hits shelves on November 4!

At first, I wasn’t sure where The Mad Wife was headed—what began as a seemingly familiar story of a traditional housewife grappling with the weight of motherhood and domestic life felt predictable. But Meagan Church surprised me. A twist I didn’t see coming completely reframed the narrative, prompting a genuine moment of insight and emotional connection. That shift changed everything for me. By the end, I found myself deeply engaged and moved. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy character-driven stories with unexpected depth.

The Mad Wife by Meagan Church struck a chord with me and kept me enthralled throughout the entire book.

The novel tells the story of Lulu Mayfield, a housewife and mother of Wesley, wife of Henry, and who is pregnant and then postpartum after the birth of her second child. Lulu's life is a cycle of being a wife, being a mom, making her famous gelatin salads, and keeping her house in a beautiful neighborhood and she's slowly unraveling.

While Lulu is struggling, a new neighbor moves in and Lulu thinks she's keeping a secret as she's not quite like everyone else. She starts trying to find out what secret, Bitsy, the neighbor is harboring, all while grappling with her own disillusionment with her own life.

As a housewife myself, I absolutely related to some of the sheer boredom that Lulu felt and the author expertly wove the feelings of boredom and disillusionment that Lulu felt.

The mystery in the book kept me intrigued and I was surprised by the way everything played out.

The author kept me entertained and I read this late into the night because I just didn't want to put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A psychological book full of suspense. In the 1950’s, the domestic life of Lulu starts to fall apart when a new neighbor moves in. I enjoyed every word of this story.

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I typically give a book about 40% until I dnf, but I felt like this book wasn't going to get better. I unfortunately dnf'd it at 25%. I felt the story was very slow, and there was just nothing interesting going on.

Set in suburbia in the mid-1950s, Church's novel explores the then-popular diagnosis of female hysteria, brought on in unhappy housewives who were stressed with childbearing, housekeeping, and loneliness. Lulu is the mother of four-year-old Wesley, and is expecting another child. Something is off, however. Lulu cares for the pink blanket, becomes attached to the new neighbor's cat, and repeatedly fails at making her famous Jello salad. The novel follows Lulu through her stay in the sanitorium and the electroshock treatment, only to reveal she has been misdiagnosed. The story is disturbing and sad, but offers a good peek into the lives of stay-at-home mothers in the 1950s.

As a stay at home wife myself this book was fascinating. I loved how it was a blend of stepford wives with a side of how well do we really know our neighbors. It was a fun little mystery and kept me on my toes I think it was also wrapped up well. I would have liked a bit more background on all the characters but I understand that would have made the book way too long.

3 stars

It’s the 1950s, when, I don’t know, but it doesn’t really matter. Lulu Mayfield is married to Henry, an architect who is waiting for a big promotion. They have one child, Wesley, and live in a nice neighborhood, with Lulu busy running her household and making gelatin salads. It all sounds pretty typical for those of their race and socio-economic status at the time.

Then Bitsy (you have to love these names) moves in across the street and there’s something a little bit off about her. Lulu doesn’t like her but also wants to know her secret. At the same time, Lulu is becoming more and more unhappy with life.

I was torn about this book. I really enjoyed the first half but didn’t like the second nearly as much. Yes, women’s health complaints were certainly often ignored or misdiagnosed then (and the more things change…). But the author, while drawing attention to some uncomfortable truths, on one hand, also, takes the easy way out, I felt. It’s hard to say much without spoilers. 4 stars for part one, 2 stars for part two means…..carry the nine….3 stars.

The gasp I gusped when I hit the 70% mark of this book. I had to immediately keep going. That twist I did not see coming at all. This author is such a great historical storyteller and I loved this book.

3 stars- I don't think I'm in the right headspace to be reading this. I had to put down around 30% through and will revisit it another time. thanks netgalley & the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

A fascinating read. Having just read “The Jane’s” about the underground abortion providers in Canada around the same time this book took place underscores the need for today’s generation to understand the rights that women finally achieved in the past 50 years. While this tale is set in the 50’s it is a cautionary tale about the freedoms that women can lose in today’s world.

The Mad Wife by Meagan Church is a masterful blend of psychological suspense and dark domestic drama that will keep you hooked from the very first page. Lulu Mayfield is the quintessential 1950s housewife—polished, obedient, and perfectly curated—until her world begins to unravel in the most unsettling ways after the birth of her second child. Enter Bitsy, the new neighbor whose bright smile conceals something sinister. As Lulu’s obsession with Bitsy grows, so does the tension, drawing us deeper into a web of secrets, lies, and perhaps even madness. Is Lulu losing her grip on reality, or is she uncovering truths too terrifying to face? The novel expertly blurs this line, making every twist feel genuine and earned. Church’s writing is as immersive as it is haunting, capturing the suffocating expectations of the era while simmering with chilling suspense. This book isn’t just a read—it’s an experience, a haunting exploration of identity, repression, and the shadows lurking behind a picture-perfect life. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, shocking revelations, and a climax that lingers long after the final page. The Mad Wife is a dark gem that deserves all five stars—and then some!

I loved this story about a traditional housewife that struggles with her life after her second baby is born - there were twists I wasn't expecting. Would highly recommend as a book club pick!

I just cannot. Cannot even stop thinking about this book it was so beautifully written. And I couldn't make myself put it down and go to bed.

This is my first time reading Meagan Church, but I'm excited to explore her other historical fiction novels detailing the "every woman" in different periods of time. I appreciated the hopeful conclusion.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC digital copy. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own.

Interesting story that slowly reveals itself to be a reflection on women’s healthcare: physical and mental. I appreciated the historical element of hysteria as I recently listened to The Woman They Could Not Silence. I will likely read more about this subject, in both fiction and nonfiction.

Not sure if it’s a coincidence or if other readers think like me…. The Bell Jar currently has an estimated hold time of a month!

4 out of 5 stars and my deepest respect to the author.

I do not think I have the words to review this book. If I could give it plus 5, I would. Written by one of my favorite authors, this is amazing. Yes, at one point, I gasped. At another point, I put this cannot put down book aside for a minute. It kept drawing me back. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, surprise. I did not. Having lived during this time period and having had relatives with similar experiences, the story resonated with me. The main character is supposed to be the typical housewife of the 50’s.
She is sad. To say the least… Others just claim hysteria. I wondered if anyone really cared enough to help her. This author takes us on a journey that is a part of history. This is historical fiction at its best. I will purchase this book for myself and my daughter. It is a keeper and one to be reread. Embrace this story. Five plus plus .Thanks Netgalley