A Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage

Oliver’s amusing debut is narrated by the ruthless Lalla Rook, a wife and mother who lives in the upper-middle-class London neighborhood of Muswell Hill. Lalla thinks her life would be perfect with four major upgrades: a third child; a promotion to partner for her banker husband, Stephen; a move to the more prestigious neighborhood of Hampstead; and admission for her six-year-old daughter to an elite private school. Lalla also happens to be a sociopath, meaning she has little scruples about eliminating any obstacles that stand in her way. A key example of her capabilities? The dead stranger on her living room floor and the abundant blood spatter she caused from stabbing him seven times after he broke into her house when she was busy planning a party. Much of the action follows from Lalla disposing of the body, coercing an accomplice, and planting evidence to frame someone else and keep her head above water. As she says herself: “The past will come back to haunt you if you don’t smother it with a pillow.” Oliver treads familiar ground, but does so with verve, resulting in a sly and satirical caper that will leave readers grinning. Agent: Grainne Fox, UTA. (Feb.)