The Loch Ness Monster, a stolen lullaby and a foolish murderer were the inspiration for my
novel, THE HUSBAND’S SECRET.
Two years ago I stumbled upon a fascinating article about real life deathbed confession. I
learned about Christian Spurling, who confessed on his deathbed to faking a notorious photo
of the Loch Ness Monster. There was a famous songwriter who was dying of cancer and wrote
a letter admitting after years of adamant denials, that she had plagiarized a lullaby melody.
Then there was the hapless man who after suffering a stroke, confessed he’d killed his
neighbor thirty years earlier. The only problem was that he didn’t end up dying. After he
was released from hospital he went straight to jail.
The article, particularly the story of the man who didn’t die, got me thinking. I was intrigued
by that over whelming desire to share your darkest secret. That’s when I came up with the story
of a woman who finds a letter from her husband. It says: For my wife, Cecilia Fitzpatrick. To
be opened only in the event of my death. Her husband is very much alive. Should she open
it? Would YOU open it?
Although THE HUSBAND’S SECRET is very much character-driven, it’s probably the
most suspenseful of all of my novels. My fingers are very tightly crossed that you will enjoy it!
With warmest wishes,
Liane Moriarty
REMINDER: Our discussion will take place on Thursday, October 6th, 10 AM to 11:30 AM in
the Community Room at the Clarkston Independence District Library. Hope to see you there!