In her debut novel, The Really Dead Wives of New Jersey, Astrid Dahl crafts an ambitious thriller that blends the glossy world of reality television with dark murder mystery elements. Set against the backdrop of New Jersey’s affluent suburbs, the novel explores themes of family loyalty, hidden identities, and the sometimes deadly consequences of fame.
Plot Overview and Setting
The story revolves around “Garden State Goddesses,” a reality TV show featuring wealthy Italian-American families in the fictional town of Shady Pond, New Jersey. When showrunner Eden Bennett introduces her estranged cousin Hope to the wealthy Fontana family, it sets off a chain of events that leads to multiple deaths and revelations of long-buried secrets.
Strengths
Compelling Atmosphere
Dahl excels at creating an atmospheric tension that permeates the novel. The juxtaposition of glossy reality TV facades with underlying darkness works effectively, and the author’s keen understanding of both genres shines through.
Complex Characters
“The Really Dead Wives of New Jersey” features a diverse cast of characters, each with distinct personalities and motivations:
- Eden Bennett: The morally ambiguous showrunner
- Hope: The mysterious newcomer with a dark past
- Carmela: The sharp-tongued antagonist
- Renee: The relatable single mother
- Birdie St. Clair: The eccentric wealthy widow
Genre Innovation
“The Really Dead Wives of New Jersey” successfully merges several genres:
- Reality TV drama
- Murder mystery
- LGBTQ+ romance
- Family saga
Areas for Improvement
Pacing Issues
The novel’s first half moves somewhat slowly as Dahl establishes the complex web of relationships. While this groundwork is necessary, it occasionally feels repetitive and could have been streamlined.
Character Development
Some secondary characters, particularly the male characters like Leo and Pierre, feel underdeveloped and occasionally veer into stereotype. The focus on the female characters, while intentional, sometimes leaves these supporting roles feeling two-dimensional.
Plot Complexity
While the intricate plotting is impressive, certain revelations and coincidences stretch credibility. The multiple murder mysteries occasionally overwhelm the narrative, making it challenging to keep track of all the threads.
Writing Style and Technical Elements
Dahl’s writing style is sharp and contemporary, with a good ear for dialogue that captures both the artifice of reality TV and authentic human interaction. The use of multiple viewpoints and “confessional” transcripts adds depth to the narrative, though these devices sometimes interrupt the flow of the story.
Themes and Social Commentary
Reality TV Culture
“The Really Dead Wives of New Jersey” offers a biting critique of reality television’s impact on participants and viewers alike. Dahl explores how the line between performance and reality becomes increasingly blurred.
Family and Identity
Questions of loyalty, betrayal, and the nature of family – both chosen and biological – run throughout the narrative.
LGBTQ+ Representation
The queer storylines are handled with nuance and complexity, avoiding common stereotypes while addressing realistic challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
Target Audience
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Reality TV shows like Real Housewives
- Contemporary murder mysteries
- LGBTQ+ fiction
- Books exploring family dynamics
- Stories with strong female protagonists
Verdict:
While “The Really Dead Wives of New Jersey” has its flaws, it remains an entertaining and ambitious debut that successfully combines multiple genres. The novel’s strengths lie in its atmospheric tension and complex female characters, even as it occasionally struggles with pacing and plot credibility.
Comparable Titles
- “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty
- “Such a Fun Age” by Kiley Reid
- “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Final Thoughts
Despite its imperfections, “The Really Dead Wives of New Jersey” shows promise and offers an engaging reading experience for those who enjoy genre-bending fiction. The author’s fresh take on familiar tropes and ability to maintain tension through multiple plotlines suggests potential for growth in future works.
The novel’s examination of reality TV culture and its impact on participants feels particularly timely, while its exploration of family dynamics and identity adds depth to what could have been simply a sensational thriller. While some plot elements strain credibility, the overall package delivers entertainment value while raising interesting questions about authenticity, family, and the price of fame.
