Set in a small Wisconsin farming and manufacturing town still crumbling a decade after the depression of the 1890s, this is the story of Ralph Truitt, a wealthy businessman who advertises for “a reliable wife” in newspapers across America. The woman he chooses, Catherine Land, describes herself as “a simple, honest woman,” but in truth she is both complex and devious. Her plan in accepting the marriage offer is simple: she will win this man’s devotion, and then, over time, will poison him and leave Wisconsin a wealthy widow. What she has not counted on, though, is the passion she finds in this seemingly solid, forthright man—a man who also harbours secrets...
That is the description of A Reliable Wife which was given to me as a Christmas present. I was intrigued by the description above and the story inside its cover. It lived up to its description, with twists and turns until the very end. What I found interesting reading this book is I didn't like any of the characters, they had no redeeming qualities and unlike other books I've read, were not people I'd ever wish to meet. Maybe that is why I kept reading to the very end, I wanted Ralph and Catherine to prove me wrong, to make me like them. This book is an excellent read, even if one doesn't like the characters, it is a study in human nature and to what lengths people go to get what they want.
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