Mother Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon captivates with its strong family dynamics and engaging plot. Readers appreciate the well-developed characters and the novel's mix of mystery and emotional depth. However, some note a predictable storyline and pacing issues. Overall, a compelling read for those who enjoy layered relationships and intriguing twists.

A reader who enjoys Mother Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon would likely appreciate strong familial dynamics intertwined with suspenseful mystery. Fans of Lisa Jewell’s Then She Was Gone or Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies will find similar engrossing storytelling and complex characters. This novel suits those who crave emotional depth alongside thrilling twists.

Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon is a crime novel centered around Jack, a young woman who becomes a murder suspect, and her family's efforts to prove her innocence. The story, set in Elkhorn Slough, California, follows Jack, her mother Beth, and her grandmother Lana as they navigate complex family dynamics and work to solve two connected murders. The novel includes discussions of gun violence, sexism, abortion, antisemitism, and racism against Latinx and Filipino people.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Emotional / Dark / Heartwarming

**Lana**  
The 57-year-old central protagonist who is dynamic and influential, seeking to maintain power and independence while dealing with personal challenges, including illness and family relationships.

**Beth**  
A woman in her early thirties, Beth grapples with reconciling her strained relationship with her mother, Lana, and faces the challenges of motherhood with her daughter, Jack.

**Jack**  
At 15, she is responsible and brave, known for her competence at work and her involvement in a murder investigation that brings her closer to her family.

**Diana**  
Hal Rhoads’s daughter, known for her wealth and style, who has plans for the Rhoads property while maintaining family secrets.

**Martin**  
Hal Rhoads’s son who is deeply affected by past family tragedies and complexities in his relationships.

**Detective Nicoletti**  
A detective symbolizing arrogant and sometimes abusive police work, notably stubborn in his investigation approach.

**Detective Ramirez**  
The first Latina detective in the county, determined to prove her capabilities in a challenging professional environment shaped by gender and racial perceptions.

**Ricardo**  
One of the murder victims who had strong ties to the Rhoads property, committed to equitable land use and community development.

**Hal**  
The father of Martin and Diana, whose past decisions and relationships with others significantly impact the story and his family dynamics.

Nina Simon

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Mother Daughter Murder Night and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Mother Daughter Murder Night Summary and Study Guide

Background

Mother Daughter Murder Night Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 9

Mother Daughter Murder Night Prologue-Chapter 9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-19

Mother Daughter Murder Night Chapters 10-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-29

Mother Daughter Murder Night Chapters 20-29 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 30-42

Mother Daughter Murder Night Chapters 30-42 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 43-56

Mother Daughter Murder Night Chapters 43-56 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Mother Daughter Murder Night Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Mother Daughter Murder Night Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Mother Daughter Murder Night Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Mother Daughter Murder Night Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Mother Daughter Murder Night Essay Topics

Mother Daughter Murder Night

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Mother Daughter Murder Night?

Reading Age

Book Details