whitneydaniell

I enjoyed this series much more than I remember liking the book—bad acting and all. The show gives a bit more depth to the characters and adds extra drama among the ancillary characters that wasn’t in the book. Even with some strong talent in the cast, the amount of bad acting dragged my overall rating down.

Netflix is really cornering the market with these single-season, short-run series based on books. They did the same with The Woman in the House Across the Street (2022) and The Perfect Couple (2024).

This is an easy watch: eight episodes, about 50 minutes each. Totally bingeable in a single day if you have the time—cleary, I did.

My audiobook review was short and sweet, mostly because I hated it—and every character in it. I had nothing nice to say, so I didn’t say much.

There are no likable characters.

Sophie is running behind Margot as if she is the bees-knees. These grown women with their social hierarchy burns me up because didn’t your mother tell you; “If Margot abuses a child and you also going to abuse a child?” Running behind Margot and you’re going to lose everything that you’ve built in your life. Stupid.

Click HERE to read my audiobook review.

My Thoughts

Episode 1 – “Strange and Unfamiliar Places”
Sophie O’Neil has just relocated to small-town Maplebrook, Texas, with her husband Graham and son Jack. At a conservative NRA-hosted party, Sophie meets the alluring and unfiltered Margo Banks, igniting an instant and unsettling fascination. As Sophie is drawn into Margo’s world of lavish indulgence and peer pressure, she quickly finds herself surrounded by women who “wife” for a living, shoot guns for fun, and drink heavily without regard. Sophie’s marriage is strained, her boundaries blur, and she’s thrust headfirst into a social scene she doesn’t fully understand.

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Episode 2 – “Knockin’ Boots”
Maplebrook’s church life is giving cult vibes and the townspeople seem more offbeat than holy. Jed Banks officially announces his run for Governor, despite skeletons rattling in his and Margo’s closets. Sophie continues falling deeper into Margo’s circle, while Abby struggles with maintaining her faith and virginity in a relationship with the disinterested Brad. Suspicion brews as Sophie starts noticing things that don’t add up — like Margo’s shady entanglements. Sophie’s instincts tell her something’s wrong, but she’s already in too deep to turn back.

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Episode 3 – “Sunrise Tells the Story”
A flashback reveals the violent disappearance of Kasey Krummel, adding another layer of mystery to Maplebrook. Sophie’s marriage heats up — conveniently after catching Margo in a compromising act. The women go boar hunting and play juvenile games with drugs, alcohol, and high school boys, crossing boundaries that can’t be uncrossed. Sophie is swept up in the chaos, increasingly sacrificing logic and responsibility in favor of Margo’s attention. Meanwhile, Pastor Pete’s odd behavior becomes more disturbing, and secrets simmer under the surface of every interaction.

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Episode 4 – “Cheat Day”
Abby is found dead, and Sophie’s credibility begins unravels. Lies pile up as she hides crucial information and meddles where she shouldn’t. Starr grieves, Jill protects Brad, and Margo plays puppet master, manipulating every move. Sophie is being set up—maybe by Jill, maybe by Callie—and things are spiraling. Pastor Pete’s creep factor increases, and Jed remains inappropriate in every setting. Sophie’s instincts are off, her decisions worse, and her desperation to fit in puts her at the center of a murder investigation she doesn’t understand.

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Episode 5 – “Not Her First Rodeo”
Sophie faces questioning, and her choices continue to make things worse. Graham rightfully calls out her behavior, though his delivery is insufferable. Pastor Pete’s strange connection to Clint becomes more suspicious, and the town’s power players begin erasing digital footprints and bribing potential threats. Sophie is caught between manipulation, gaslighting, and a mounting case against her. Pastor Pete spirals, and the depths of Maplebrook’s dysfunction come into full view. Margo shifts her alibi, Jill goes full damage control, and Sophie loses more control by the minute.

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Episode 6 – “Deep in the Heart of Texas”
Sophie is the getaway driver now — the recklessness knows no bounds. Lies mount, alliances shift, and Sophie’s proximity to Margo deepens her entrapment. Everyone signs NDAs like they’re party favors because they all have something to hide. Meanwhile, Pastor Pete is revealed to be a predator with a full liquor cabinet, grooming teenage girls under the radar. As Margo begins to unravel and expose everyone’s secrets over brunch, Sophie finally begins to push back — but it may be too late.

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Episode 7 – “Shooting Star”
Margo’s manipulations are out in the open, and Sophie is questioning everything — including her own sanity. Jill erases evidence like a pro, and Brad’s inability to lie convincingly might be his downfall. Pastor Pete is dead in what looks like a convenient suicide, but the details don’t add up. As the Sheriff’s department flounders, Sophie and Deputy Salazar are the only one’s asking the right questions. Sophie’s actions become increasingly reckless, and Callie’s obsession with Margo reaches dangerous heights. Starr, once grieving, is now ready to fight.

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Episode 8 – “Sophie’s Choice”
Backstories come to light, exposing long-held secrets and the origins of Margo’s rise in Maplebrook. Callie does not like being rejected, and the Sheriff’s department continues its lazy approach to justice. Sophie begins putting the puzzle pieces together — faster than the police — and corners the real threat. Confrontations erupt, and lines are drawn. But just when things seem resolved, Sophie makes another dangerous choice. Margo’s power lingers, Callie is unhinged, and Sophie’s judgment remains her biggest liability. A fresh start might not be possible after all.

Final Verdict

Still didn’t like a single character in this series—they’re all awful—but Brittany Snow (Sophie) and Katie Lowes (Jill) acted their asses off!

I can’t quite wrap my head around why all these women were chasing after Margo. She must have the best kitty-kat in Maplebrook, but they all seriously lacked boundaries—especially Sophie. The police were just as useless as they were in the book—y’all know I hate poor police work. The Sheriff didn’t want to do any real investigating and always went with the easiest route instead of asking questions or following evidence.

Again, if you have a few hours and like a decent whodunit, watch it.